The Last Dinner Party – Nothing Matters (Acoustic) Review

Does an acoustic version ever outshine the original? It can match the quality but rarely does it impose a stronger emotional flicker than those initial, emotive recordings. Not least because the artist behind the final release is so committed to it, but because an acoustic addition is just that, a bit of extra work which the world could go without. The likes of Richard Hawley and Eric Clapton have made it their own with soft guitar work replacing the depth of wild and wandering electric work and The Last Dinner Party now tries it with their breakout single, Nothing Matters. A roaring success of a song beyond its social media domination – the track which launched the band from The Welly to Coachella is a wonderful piece when the right instrumentals are in place. 

Infectious and observant of harsh realities and hook-ups the original track may be, taking it to a tender and stripped-back occasion should offer the track more than this. Abigail Morris still holds firm as the beating heart of this eclectic group, a monumental vocal force who will no doubt guide the band, along with the talented instrumentalists within, to new heights. They already did with Prelude to Ecstasy, and in the days of constant demand, the band has done well to keep their audiences engaged. With the same song released three times over, live performance and original recording bookending this acoustic interpretation, listeners are in no short supply of one of the UK’s many white-hot alternative artists. 

Tempo and tone are changed immaculately for this rendition. Where it may not have the punch and fight of the original – so reliant it was on the guitar work of Emily Roberts – it finds power in the backing vocals and inevitable tenderness which comes from comfortable acoustic guitar features. What it loses from the original is not made up by anything overwhelmingly new but Nothing Matters (Acoustic) serves as a way for the band to connect with those dedicated followers, crafting artwork and asking for more and more from a band already pushing the fold in an exciting release and tour schedule. It is as bold and ambitious as expected of the five-piece though the acoustic version is more of an afterthought for those who desire more from a band already offering one of the best records available right now. 

Regardless of its quality, there is a sense of The Last Dinner Party being in touch and respectful of its fans. Few can say they are truly involved with their following and for the time being, The Last Dinner Party will remain as the darlings of alternative rock for their presence in these pools of followers. It eventually dissipates. Such a turn is inevitable as a band rises through the ranks. But it is the consolidation here of this relationship. The Last Dinner Party is aware of those who bumped them on the fast lane to an exciting musical experience, and offering up acoustic versions may not be an impressive form for Nothing Matters to take but it certainly marks an interesting encounter for the dedicated obsessives.