Artist in Focus: An Introduction to The Last Dinner Party

Ever wondered what indie pop music would sound like if it were styled to the musical and aesthetic values of baroque music?

Cue The Last Dinner Party.

They have cornered a truly niche market, revitalising the 60’s fusion genre ‘baroque pop’ and done so with incredible style and success. It is their operatic inspired vocals, intoxicatingly groovy rhythms and lyrical boldness that define this band.

They have, until recently, had a relatively small discography, with only five recorded singles released so far, but you know what they say, quality over quantity. However, this string of carefully curated singles has led to the release of their debut album ‘Prelude to Ecstasy’. Released on the 2nd of February, it is the culmination of their music careers thus far. Each track featured on the album is distinct, fresh and embodies an essence of vitality, fun and irreverence.

This limited set of releases may be telling of where the bands priorities lie. Judging based off the significant time they’ve spent touring and playing gigs over the past couple of years, it seems to be more with live performance than recorded music. They have opened for the likes of The Rolling Stones and Florence and the Machine, the latter of which presented the band with their award for Rising Star Brit Award.

Opening for Hozier on the UK and European leg of his tour, they finished with three nights in Dublin’s 3Arena late last year. On the night of the 19th of December, they went from one performance to the next. Following their support act in 3Arena, The Last Dinner Party played a headline gig in Workman’s Cellar. This, they announced on social media, was ‘our favourite show we have ever ever EVER played.’

Their stage presence is marked by an eye-catching and fabulous ensemble of costumes, fitting of a baroque-pop band. Their performances are lively and engaging. Each band member is both distinctive in look while also similar in their essence as performers, giving the band a unifying feel on stage. Their performance was clearly well received as they go on to say ‘we have no words, no breath, only our pounding hearts and heads this morning, thank you for the perfect ending to this year … We love you, we salute you, Éirinn go Brách’.

Their stage presence, strong sense of self and eccentric character all hugely contribute to their growing, unwavering fan base. They have created an inviting community through their music and live performances. Their magnetic qualities transcend beyond their music and are represented in the essence of this community where ‘flamboyance is expected’.

Discussing themes ranging from misogyny, catholic guilt and sexuality, this band of talented, captivating musicians are ones to watch.