the last dinner party
By Kira O’Boyle
I hate to admit that TikTok has become my most effective source for discovering new music and new artists in recent years, with the question “Have you heard that song that is all over TikTok?” appearing in conversation way more than I would like. But in the case of 5-piece, London-based band, The Last Dinner Party, this is very much an expression of an amazing new discovery. The band’s first ever official single, Nothing Matters released back in April 2023, has found itself in circulation on TikTok, a love song with a blend of classic rock and the theatrical vocals of lead singer Abigail Morris. I then found myself in a rabbit hole that I was very happy to be in.
“Perfectly exploring the themes of power and insecurities in the song, the visuals brilliantly mirror the operatic, musical-esque craft of the band” Already building a legacy, The Last Dinner Party are on track to become one of the biggest bands of not only 2024 but the decade. Following the suits of the likes of ABBA, Florence Welch and Kate Bush, The Last Dinner Party is destined for greatness, but it is their own emotional drive and musical talent that has established a path of explosive ballads for the band. Awarded with BBC’s Sound of 2024, the first guitar band since HAIM, and Brit’s Rising Star Award 2024, all before they released their debut album, ‘Prelude to Ecstasy’, I can imagine their success will only keep growing, becoming one of mine, and I’m sure many others, favourite new bands.
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Their single Sinner is a beautiful curation of their musical talents. The eruption of the piano into the piercing guitars and the perfect blend of harmonies shows there is no limit to the composition and direction of their music and has led to a series of high-energy and passionate live shows, which the band has become renowned for. Their unique approach to music does not just stop at their sound, the quintet put great effort and craft into not only their music but their aesthetic. Live videos of the band draped in luxurious gowns, velvets and lace, and sumptuous stage presence to accompany their baroque-rock style is something unlike anything else in the industry currently. The music video for their single Caesar On A TV Screen released on the 4th January 2024, showcases the band’s very own whimsical adaptation of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. Perfectly exploring the themes of power and insecurities in the song, the visuals brilliantly mirror the operatic, musical-esque craft of the band, whilst the visuals for Nothing Matters explore a glamorous yet gothic portrayal of their now-famous love song.
However, their success has led to criticisms of them potentially being an industry plant. Confirming that they are in fact not a manufactured product, but a hard-working band that met at university, paving their way through small venues, makes them only more commendable. Their ability to compose a perfect blend of rock, glamour and literary theatrics and present this in every aspect of their artistry, is unique and fresh.
“I then found myself in a rabbit hole I was very happy to be in”
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