THE LAST DINNER PARTY: MANCHESTER, UK
The Last Dinner Party
Manchester Academy 2
words by Lauren Hague
Rock’s hottest five-piece hosted their sold-out audience, consisting of die-hard fans and those curious to witness the raved-about upcomers’, for a captivating performance bared with their signature, melodramatic theatrics.
The Last Dinner Party triumphed the stage at Manchester’s Academy 2, decked out for the occasion as ever. Fans had also been cordially invited by the chic rockstars to dress up for the occasion after the band announced a series of dress codes for across the tour. ‘Velvet Goldmine’ was the glam-rock-esque dress code donned by the Manchester gig goers creating a sea of dark velour fabrics and sequins. Of course, the theme was reciprocated by the elegant five-piece, most notably lead singer Abigail Morris who flaunted a custom-denim bodysuit paired with a red patent belt and matching fiery red platform boots.
The Last Dinner Party strutted onto stage suaver than ever following glamourous rock openers Picture Parlour who offered up a dramatic, charismatic performance with front-woman Katherine Parlour exuding the self-assured, charm of a modern-Alex Turner.
The opening song opted for by The Last Dinner Party was the same one they’d favoured as an opener throughout their crucial 2023 festival season, ‘Burn Alive’. The quiet-intro song, packed with turns for explosive guitars, is one of the many songs that helped the five-piece curate major buzz during this year’s festival season, which led to them bagging a spot at Glastonbury.
It’s no surprise The Last Dinner Party have caught the eye of music lovers at festivals, the rock upcomers proved themselves to be born to perform during their theatrical performance at Manchester’s Academy 2. The set combined songs containing whimsical synths that complimented vocalist Emily’s haunting vocals, on songs like ‘Beautiful Boy’, with more bass-heavy heart-hitters, on songs like ‘Godzilla’. Themes of religious trauma, female rage, sensual-guilt and enchanted yearning, which are often sung upon by The Last Dinner Party, were brought to life on-stage through the melodrama of the band’s demeanour whilst playing the songs. The five-piece swayed and stamped whilst playing their songs allowing themselves to be swept up in the emotions that originally provoked the creation of their music, captivating the packed-out crowd further.
‘Sinner’, the band’s second single, was a huge highlight from the show as vocalist Emily Morris span in circles whilst belting the lyrics to the song which the band describe as ‘catholic-school-coded.’ The fiery frontwoman didn’t shy away from getting intimate with fans who lined the barricade, some who had even queued as early as 1:00 pm the day of the gig, holding their hands as they screamed the lyrics back to her.
The band’s most recent single ‘The Lady of Mercy’ was saved for near the end of the set whilst the band’s debut single and most-popular hit ‘Nothing Matters’, the song that started it all, was fittingly kept as the closer. It’s no wonder the ‘Nothing Matters’ received such a hyped reception upon its initial release, combining heavenly synths which blend to emulate gilded-guitar strings as dominant riffs approach on each chorus. Harmonies which can be heard from the five-piece opt to sustain a choir-like backing to Morris’s vocals making for a glorious, upbeat rock song which sounds even more magical live.
Overall, The Last Dinner Party are a delight to witness live, and a band bound for success with all the facets to back up the buzz surrounding them. Their current live shows are just a preview to a packed out arena performance destined for the future where the possibilities, for the band’s theatrical energy, will be endless.