Little more than 18 months after their breakout debut album, The Last Dinner Party return with another instant classic, the soaring rock-opera From the Pyre. After initially coming out of nowhere with the singles from Prelude to Ecstasy (including “Sinner”, “Nothing Matters” and “My Lady of Mercy”), the majority British act wowed crowds and critics alike with their edgy, guitar heavy indie rock. As if to prove they weren’t a flash in the pan, the five-piece has returned almost instantly with an album that feels like it outshines their debut by some margin.
Their sound hasn’t necessarily evolved too much from their last album to From the Pyre, but their music feels more accomplished, complete and thorough. This is evident on opening track “Agnus Dei”, an expansive and wandering masterpiece that feels like it will become a fan favourite on their upcoming international tour. Starting off with intricate layering of guitar, bass, percussion, keys, the vocals of Abigail Morris and backing vocal harmonies, “Agnus Dei” soars throughout its bridge and middle choruses, before going double time in the closing 30 seconds. It’s the best possible opening the album could have had from its ten tracks and sets From the Pyre up for the success it goes onto achieve.
The rock opera/ baroque nature of the album continues with “Count The Ways”, a song whose grungy opening verse feels a little like AM era Arctic Monkeys, while the remainder of the song is overly brilliant as Morris explains the ways they love someone very specific in their life. The song is intricately layered, with strings and soaring vocals that continues to set the tone of the album.
Gifting the masses a plethora of tracks prior to the release of an album isn’t a new thing, but when done well, it’s a real game changer. The Last Dinner Party has done this with their three singles “This is the Killer Speaking”, “The Scythe” and “Second Best”. Each song as different as the next, these three tracks are pretty much the epitome of what makes The Last Dinner Part so great. Breaking things down to an almost country vibe, “This is the Killer Speaking” as the first taste of the album is an immediate winner and builds on what the band had already delivered on their first up release. The change in vibe and tempo between the verses and chorus is what makes the song and showcases the band’s ability to create a sensible pop adjacent track.
“The Scythe” is a sweeping, near five-minute venture. As close to a ballad the album gets, “The Scythe” allows the band to showcase their tender side once more, with the song feeling like a crescendo for the album as it nears its ends. “Second Best” is possibly the second best song on the album, while definitely being the second shortest. It’s a little more chaotic than the other singles, while also feeling like a song that will win awards for the band. It’s hard to explain, but it’s genuinely one of the best songs of the year.
From the Pyre reaches its most tender moment on the piano led “Sail Away”. The layered harmonies over the closing choruses is a haunting, yet enchanting dive into the protagonist of the song coming to terms with the fact they’d rather be with the one they love instead of sailing away without them. It’s a simple sentiment, but truly beautiful all the same.
For every tender moment on From the Pyre like “Sail Away”, there is a moment like “Rifle” that really brings the essence of the band back to the front of mind: a guitar rock band playing delicious licks and riffs. “Rifle” is a little reminiscent of earlier heavier stuff by Wolf Alice or even something like early 2000’s Josh Homme. Closer “Inferno” feels like it could be a b-side to an Elton John side project from the 80’s – it’s light, fun and the bounce of its piano helps close out the album way too well.
The Last Dinner Party feels like they’ve captured lighting in a bottle. I feel like From the Pyre is something that needs to be witnessed live for the listener to fully appreciate the magic the band has put together over the ten songs of the album. With a world tour commencing this week and its Australian leg coming round in January, it won’t be long before fans get the chance to experience the magic of From the Pyre in the flesh.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
From the Pyre is out Friday 17 October. The Last Dinner Party heads to Australia in January 2026 in support of the album. For more information on the album and to buy tickets to the tour, see below or head HERE.
They will be touring the UK and Ireland in November and December – tickets and dates HERE
The Last Dinner Party 2026 Australia Tour
Saturday 10 January – Red Hill Auditorium, Perth
Tuesday 13 January – AEC Theatre, Adelaide
Thursday 15 January – Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne
Saturday 17 January – ICC Sydney Theatre, Sydney
Monday 19 January – Riverstage, Brisbane
The Last Dinner Party UK and Ireland tour
Friday 14 November – 3Arena, Dublin
Monday 17 November – Corn Exchange, Edinburgh
Thursday 20 November – O2 City Hall, Newcastle
Sunday 23 November – Bridlington
Wednesday 26 November – Aviva Studios, Manchester
Saturday 29 November – The Civic Hall, Wolverhampton
Sunday 30 November – The Prospect Building, Bristol
Thursday 4 December – Plymouth Pavilions, Plymouth
Friday 5 December – Brighton Centre, Brighton
Sunday 7 December – O2 Academy, London
Monday 8 December – O2 Academy, London
Header image credit: Bruce Baker
