Prelude to Ecstasy: The Last Dinner Party’s First Course (Review)
I can’t recall the last time I listened to a modern album that began with an overture. But that is precisely how The Last Dinner Party’s Prelude to Ecstasy begins- with a prelude.
The brand new girl group’s first studio album perfectly establishes the band’s vibe: Victorian and operatic but with a grungy edge.
The song order on Prelude to Ecstasy follows a classical format of a musical or opera rather than a 2024 pop/rock album. What follows the prelude are six softer rock songs, then an interlude sung in Albanian, followed by five final jump-and-scream type songs.
The songs’ subject matter, similar to the group’s gothic vibe, tends to be quite dark. Themes of grief, self-hatred, gender envy, feminism, and toxic relationships riddle the poetic lyrics. This may make some hits like “Nothing Matters” and “Burn Alive” inappropriate for the younger listener, yet still shocking for the older listener.
What sets the band apart from the mainstream are lead singer Abigail Morris’ unique vocals. Morris employs a dark, classical tone that isn’t typical for pop music. Her vocals are solid and heavy, with an impressive range. Her strong British accent pierces through the moody lyrics, and her vocals are comparable to Florence Welch’s. Morris’ sound aligns with The Last Dinner Party’s visual aesthetic, as well as their electric-baroque fusion instrumentals.
The group’s sound isn’t for everyone. They lie far from basic pop, with many unexpected tempo changes and the occasional use of a full orchestra. A clean version of “Nothing Matters” and the peppy but more tame “Sinner” are the only two songs I’d see fit for the radio. (Not so) coincidentally, these are also the strongest songs from the album and were both released as singles prior to the album.
The Last Dinner Party bring a new sound to the table that sets them apart from any other artist at this time. They’re doing something new and unheard, which is respectable and likely makes their style less susceptible to a takeover of AI-generated music. While the group are not beating the ‘industry plant’ allegations, this album was an enjoyable listen. I look forward to seeing if they maintain their sound and identity in future releases.
If you’re looking to break out of your monotonous listening habits, Prelude to Ecstasy is a great place to start. You can grab a ticket for the ‘I listened to them before they were famous’ train, sit back, and watch The Last Dinner Party’s career blossom.
