Album Review // The Last Dinner Party // From the Pyre

Island Records

3.5/5 Stars

The second offering from The Last Dinner Party showcases subtle improvements from their debut. If you followed rock acts at all in 2024, you likely encountered the British five-piece, who released their James Ford-produced debut album Prelude to Ecstasy that February to both commercial and critical acclaim. That project's refreshing blend of baroque instrumentation with modern art rock sensibilities, along with the group's Victorian-inspired aesthetics, made the quintet one to watch. This October, the band returned with their sophomore effort From the Pyre. Produced by Markus Dravs, the album is another helping of The Last Dinner Party's stylized art rock – however, there are notable alternations to the band's sound. Outside of the producer change, From the Pyre offers greater bombast, reflecting a theatrical quality that felt subdued on their prior effort. Songs such as "This Is the Killer Speaking," "Agnus Dei," and "I Hold Your Anger" guide the listener on these multi-phased musical journeys, showcasing the further development of the band's storytelling capabilities – full pictures instead of brief glimpses. However, there is still need for further refinement. Album closers "The Scythe" and "Inferno" both overstay their sonic welcome, building toward a directionless conclusion and ultimately an unsatisfying ending. While not as cohesive as their debut, The Last Dinner Party still leaves an impression on From the Pyre. If they continue honing their approach, the group could be on track for even more acclaim on their next effort.