The Last Dinner Party delivered a masterclass in live performance at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on 15 January.
The London five-piece, touring in support of their second album From the Pyre, demonstrated why they’ve become one of the most talked-about live acts in contemporary rock.
The group operates with a five-piece core: vocalist Abigail Morris, lead guitarist Emily Roberts (who also handles mandolin and flute), rhythm guitarist and vocalist Lizzie Mayland, bassist Georgia Davies, and keyboardist Aurora Nishevci. They’re joined on tour by a session drummer, with the role currently filled by either Casper Miles or Victoria Smith depending on availability.
What separates The Last Dinner Party from their contemporaries is the classical training underpinning their sound. Roberts and Nishevci both studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, with Roberts reaching the semi-finals of BBC Young Jazz Musician in 2020. This formal background translates into intricate arrangements that shift between baroque flourishes and driving rock crescendos.
But that’s just the music. You attend their shows as much for the theatre – the elaborate stage designs (the best we’ve ever seen at a Bowl gig), like huge laced curtains overhanging proceedings and a lifted stage setup straight out of a Greek myth. The fan interaction was also exceptional, live tattoos and plenty of fan attention, reminiscent of a Florence + The Machine gig.
Morris’ movement appears completely intuitive, embodying each track rather than performing choreographed routines.
The setlist drew heavily from both albums, with newer tracks like Knocking at the Sky – far out, their latest tracks are really diverse and fantastic – positioned strategically among crowd favourites. Roberts demonstrated her jazz background during extended solo sections, while the band’s seamless transitions between acoustic, intimate moments and full-throttle rock showcased impressive dynamic control.
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