Embracing rich indie pop with a softness that can turn to a tight grasp in the blink of an eye, Prelude to Ecstacy delivers a promise that this is the start of something incredibly exciting. With classical references and themes of lust, revenge, and sorrow, this debut could be the soundtrack to a modern Shakespeare tragedy.
Taking notes from other ethereal artists such as Florence + the Machine and Hozier (both of whom they have supported on tour), the thought put into harmonies and elegant arrangements ensures that there is nothing left wanting. Fiercely satisfying, the balance between orchestral flourishes and energetic percussion is stunning on "Beautiful Boy". A crescendo for the ages, The Last Dinner Party have nailed balancing delicacy with raw emotion.
"Portrait Of A Dead Girl" has the dramatics of Bowie with
the charm of Wolf Alice. The rock ballad edge makes it a sumptuous
listen. The guitar riffs are wonderfully woven together with the vocals
throughout the record. Lead singer Abigail Morris can add as much of an
angelic angle as a devilish roar. Taking the album by the reins, she
elevates the musical finesse of her fellow bandmates. "Feminine Urge"
has a Marina & the Diamonds sound to it as the falsettos hit clear
and high.
The whole scale of emotion is captured throughout Prelude to Ecstasy. The
chaotic pompous energy of "Caesar On A TV Screen" with its swingy bass
contrasts with the melancholic piano on "On Your Side" as a semi-lover
needs support in the darkness. "Gjuha" is inspired by the Balkan sounds
of Albania and uses the vocal power of The Last Dinner Party to give a moment of choral
calm. "Nothing Matters" bursts into your eardrums after this moment of
cultural tribute and lifts the record off the ground.
Closer "Mirror" makes its bid as the next Bond song with
its snake charming seductiveness and alluring string section. Building
with Skyfall theatrics, the peak hits with a guitar solo
followed by a full orchestral outro (which neatly runs into the intro
with a repeat listen). The Last Dinner Party don’t leave one dramatic stone unturned. Pleasurably satisfying, you can’t help but come back for more.
