Just over a year after their Mercury Prize-nominated debut catapulted them to fame, The Last Dinner Party have returned with their second album, From the Pyre. The record lands with the force of a theatrical explosion, but questions remain about whether its relentless intensity becomes overwhelming.
A Blaze of Baroque and Roll
From the Pyre sees the London-based quintet doubling down on their signature 'baroquenroll' sound—a lavish fusion of ornate classical arrangements and raw rock energy. The production is bigger, the vocals more dramatic, and the instrumentation more decadent than ever before.
Lead singer Abigail Morris delivers performances drenched in gothic drama, while the band's instrumental tapestry weaves together pounding piano, soaring guitars, and intricate string sections. Tracks like the lead single "Prodigal Daughter" showcase their ability to craft anthemic choruses that feel both ancient and utterly contemporary.
When Fire Threatens to Consume
However, the album's greatest strength may also be its weakness. The Guardian's review suggests the band's theatrical instincts sometimes cross into over-heated territory, where the relentless drama threatens to overshadow the songwriting itself.
There are moments where the production feels so dense with ideas and emotional intensity that it borders on exhausting. The constant high-stakes drama can leave listeners craving moments of quiet reflection or subtlety amidst the sonic firestorm.
A Band Racing Against Time
The rapid turnaround between albums—a strategic move to capitalise on their meteoric rise—raises interesting questions about artistic development. While the band's ambition is undeniable, some critics wonder if a longer gestation period might have allowed for more nuanced songcraft.
Nevertheless, From the Pyre solidifies The Last Dinner Party's position as one of Britain's most exciting and uncompromising musical exports. They've avoided the sophomore slump by refusing to play it safe, even if their all-or-nothing approach occasionally burns too brightly for comfort.
The album ultimately stands as a testament to a band determined to follow their own extravagant vision, regardless of whether audiences can keep pace with their fiery ascent.
