The Last Dinner Party – Rifle

Sounds like:
Florence + The Machine, St. Vincent, Anna Calvi

What’s so good?

The Last Dinner Party confidently returns with From the Pyre, just over a year after their debut album Prelude to Ecstasy. This record marks a new Renaissance for the band.

Although most of the bandmates come from different parts of England – and one from Australia -they were all drawn to London’s music scene, where they united to form The Last Dinner Party in 2021. The group consists of Abigail Morris, Georgia Davies, Lizzie Mayland, Emily Roberts, and Aurora Nishevci.

They share emotions through biblical references and allegories, being well-versed in Catholicism as two of the members grew up in the church. Even though they are no longer Catholic, the band relates the religion’s imagery to their childhood, finding some comfort and inspiration from the sacred art.

From the Pyre is best experienced in its entirety, but I must highlight the fifth track, “Rifle”. The song is told from a mother’s perspective as she watches the light of adolescence fade from her son’s eyes. He’s overtaken by the wars of the world, his once-bright fire turning darker. The story has a Shakespearean or mythological quality.

The sound opens like a gentle lullaby, carried by an organ and layered with soft guitar and ethereal vocals. It lulls you into believing the rest of the song will remain delicate – until, more instruments invade, crescendoing into something more electric. The change happens all at once, striking your chest. Then, just as abruptly, it returns to its angelic calm. The transitions feel like a battle or a hunt, inviting you to listen closer before the attack.

“Rifle” is one of those rare songs you don’t want to overplay, hoping to preserve the visceral reaction experienced during the first listen.

1. Original post: The Last Dinner Party – Rifle

2. Find more music on Indie Shuffle’s Indie Music Blog.