Having released their debut album, Prelude to Ecstasy, The Last Dinner Party (TLDP) is climbing the ladder of success. The London based, indie rock band is composed of Abigail Morris (lead vocalist), Lizzie Mayland (guitarist), Emily Roberts (lead guitarist), Georgia Davies (base), and Aurora Nishevci (keyboardist). The motivation behind TLDP began in King’s College London. Morris and Davies connected through their passion for music and bonded over concert experiences. Mayland, Roberts, and Nishevci followed and the rest is history in the making.
Despite not having a permanent drummer, the band released Prelude to Ecstasy on June 30, 2023. The album swiftly moved to the number one spot on the Official U.K.’s Album Chart upon its debut.
The striking and controversial album gives an insight into young minds and sexuality. The song, Sinners, grapples with the longing one feels for their hometown, while simultaneously understanding you cannot stay. Despite your homes shortcomings and restrictions, you can’t help but miss the one home you’ve known your entire life. On the other hand, you can be free from the judgment and accept yourself in a new place. The problem comes when you desire both, but feel as though it is impossible for both homes to coincide within you. Knowing that one home cannot fully accept you and you cannot fully accept yourself without it. Sexuality, religion, and grief are all components that make the album so special and raw.
With rising success does come controversy. The band has faced accusations of discriminatory practices against men. During a gig at Engine Shed, men arriving by themselves shared their unpleasant experiences with security. They argued that there was no line, yet they were stopped outside the venue, brought into a room with other men, and questioned. The guards asked questions such as, “What is your favorite song on the album?” and “How long have you been a fan of the band?” Users expressed their distaste on the platforms X and Reddit. Ultimately, the show was cancelled due to a band member’s sudden illness. Fans ran to defend the band, arguing that this may have been directly tied to the venue, Engine Shed. The organization released a statement on their Instagram, which included an apology and a declaration of a further investigation regarding the incident.
The band also released a statement stating that the venue acted on their own discretion in regards to security. The band practices inclusivity and would never want any of their fans to feel discriminated against. Since then, the British band has begun touring outside the U.K. Stopping in countries such as Belgium, France, Germany, and the U.S.A. Fans of Arctic Monkeys and Florence and The Machine may be keen to have a listen to the album as TLDP shares the same indie rock undertones as these fan favorites. All are eagerly awaiting the second album.