Nothing Matters, the debut song from The Last Dinner Party, was nothing short of cataclysmic. It is hard to remember many other artists whose first release is as big as that. Not in recent times, anyway. Accepting they cannot conjure that same lightning strike, the band moves toward having fun with their sound, themes, and image. It makes all the difference for the group, whose Prelude to Ecstasy release has been ample for touring purposes this last year. Still an exciting stage presence, also a strong studio band, The Last Dinner Party does not so much return as they do continue their place in art-rock. This is The Killer Speaking, the lead single of their second album From the Pyre, is a credible piece of work. It does not give listeners more of the same, but it makes sure not to alienate the established support, too.
Keen to display that laid-back attitude but also kindle a new style, This is the Killer Speaking is a magnificent continuation of those likeable strokes from the band. Catchy, yes, but a song depending on its darker tone. Those gothic-adjacent tones are dragged, kicking and screaming, into the spotlight. It was shying away in the background of a few Prelude to Ecstasy album tracks, and now it has the band’s attention. This confident leap forward is of the same quality as their debut. This is the Killer Speaking swings from tender spoken-word spots to infectious glam-rock moments, which hear The Last Dinner Party implement new ideas into an already present momentum. Part of it comes from Abigail Morris, an ever-dependable front for the band, which is comprised of musicians thoroughly committed to finding the modern foothold for their Stuart era imagery. This is The Killer Speaking is a standout moment for the band because it pairs their already available energy with a few new subtleties.
Tricky and effective tempo changes and a string arrangement are the crucial new pieces. The Last Dinner Party has managed to pair their frenetic tone with a darker story, which they managed when detailing the death and destruction of Caesar on a TV Screen or Nothing Matters. What the band maintains are their best parts. The lyrical subtleties, the convincing playing style. What they add to This is the Killer Speaking is a hint as to where their sound could develop. This is not a rehash of the momentum found on their debut release, but it certainly features that delightfully memorable sound. Optimism but agony all the same, that fine blur which builds and builds. A blowout of instrumentals at the end for good measure seals the song as another fine track from the band.
At a time when other contemporary acts are leaning into the ugly, tech-fearing times, it is somewhat refreshing to have a band leaning way back into history, basing their image around it, but still commenting on the world around them. It is a fine line to walk, and yet The Last Dinner Party continues to do so. Familiar yet fresh is the sound The Last Dinner Party aims for with their first From the Pyre single. A welcome refresher in their sound for those who drifted from it to focus on other releases. Prelude to Ecstasy still stands tall, and this continuation of their sound is expected. Even still, the subtle changes, the neat touches of instrumental growth and lyrical value, are found once again. The Last Dinner Party are building up their sound once more, an earnest one which is profiled well by this latest release.
Spot on. Fantastic band