The Last Dinner Party is a unique case of modern fame and respect, but is largely unknown to many. Formed in 2021, the British indie rock band skyrocketed on social media in 2024 with the release of their debut album, “Prelude to Ecstasy.” The band consists of Abigail Morris, Lizzie Mayland, Emily Roberts, Georgia Davies, and Aurora Nishevci. The Last Dinner Party has no permanent drummer; however, they are currently joined by Casper Miles during live performances. Morris, Davies, and Mayland first met in 2018 during orientation week at King’s College London and formed their band shortly after. Roberts was then recommended to Morris by a mutual friend. Later, Nishevci was brought in, creating The Last Dinner Party.
The band’s name was originally The Dinner Party, which came from the idea of a huge party formed to celebrate a hedonistic banquet. Although the members met in 2018, the band wasn’t officially formed until 2021 as they struggled to find time to rehearse, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After signing with Island Records, they added “Last” to their band name to prevent confusion with a jazz band titled Dinner Party. In April 2023, the band released their first single, “Nothing Matters,” which rose to popularity on TikTok and other social media sites. The track’s popularity would earn it a spot on the simulation video game EA Sports FC 24’s soundtrack, and it secured the band an opening act supporting Hozier and First Aid Kit in the summer of 2023.
Their album “Prelude To Ecstasy” was released on February 2, 2024, and received high praise from critics and listeners alike. The record hit number one on the UK Albums Chart and was nominated for a Mercury Prize that year. They were also the winners of the BRITs Rising Star award of 2024. In August, the band teased the release of their film, “Prelude to Ecstasy–A Short Film by The Last Dinner Party,” which was released the next month. The band’s most recent project is a rerelease of their album, “Prelude to Ecstasy,” containing acoustic/live versions of their hits and four cover tracks. “Prelude to Ecstasy: Acoustics and Covers” was released in October 2024.
Prelude To Ecstasy ( 2024 ):
“Prelude to Ecstasy” contains twelve tracks spanning forty-one minutes. The album takes inspiration from artists such as Florence + The Machine, Lana Del Rey, Chappell Roan, and St. Vincent. The style of the album is one of “baroque-pop.” The album is one of feminine rage, the pain of being human, and the wonders of the world. It’s private emotions bared out for the entire world to see. The record is drama-filled and feels like you’re running through an ancient library in grand outfits and masquerade masks.
The album goes from elegant classical instrumentals to the clash of bass and drums. Lead vocalist Abigail Morris’s vocals are reminiscent of Debbie Harry’s, giving the record that same soft voice to haunting growl that truly makes the record a great listen. The band’s lyrics and meanings behind their tracks give a voice to queer people and women, providing them with emotional violence rare to find in modern music.
Caesar on a TV Screen:
“Caesar on a TV Screen” is the third track of the album and an instant highlight. The record tells a story about human connections and emotions, and “Caesar on a TV Screen” executes that goal tremendously well. The song tells a well-aimed shot at fragile masculinity and rage that comes from the need and desire to not only be adored but truly loved, taking the prominent figure of Julius Caesar as the main inspiration for this song. The music video is an artistic masterpiece; the band members are draped in colorful togas as Morris plays the role of Caesar, going from cocky to paranoid as the members begin to turn on her, resulting in her death, similar to the fate of the real Caesar.
The Feminine Urge:
Another beautiful standout from the album, “The Feminine Urge,” is a dedication to women, a song highlighting generational trauma passed down from mother to daughter. It features the moment that many of us realize, as we age, that our mothers are not just a mom but a woman with her own wants and desires. Morris’s song about her and her mother’s relationship draws from a place of understanding and relatability. As we age, we realize that our parents are just as human as we are. The song contains beautiful guitar riffs, and Morris’s haunting vocals bring out the depth of the song’s lyrics, showing off the emotional weight the track carries.
Nothing Matters:
“Nothing Matters” is The Last Dinner Party’s most famous track, going viral on TikTok after its release. The song is unafraid to be vulgar, with the “f-word” repeated in the chorus. The song shows a passionate and uncontrollable romance. The song has had problems being played live due to the nature of the language used, which has frustrated lead vocalist Morris, as the song is less about the vulgar language but the power behind the words and the confidence the phrase brings.
The Last Dinner Party is currently on a roll and will be playing shows around Europe as well as music festivals in North America, such as the Soundside Music Festival in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and All Things Go in Washington, DC, from September 26th-28th, 2025.