A year on from their previous release, Prelude to Ecstasy, The Last Dinner Party have done it again and dropped a new hauntingly beautiful album. From the Pyre released on 17 October 2025 and is proof that the boundary-pushing girl band means business. The singles released earlier this year were proof that this new record would provide their signature sound and more earworms to obsess over – it delivered even more.
Opening with ‘Agnus Dei’, the album throws listeners straight into an impressive orchestral arrangement. Phenomenal solos from lead guitarist Emily Roberts accompany the intricately layered sound. Filled with innuendos and biblical imagery, this tale of a tumultuous relationship is the perfect opener for the album.
‘Count the Ways’ follows with impressive vocals from Abigail Morris, with background vocals and a lovely string arrangement to uplift her. An emotional song about jealousy and heartbreak weaved into a catchy rhythm – this is The Last Dinner Party at their best.
Singles ‘Second Best’ and ‘This is the Killer Speaking’ push the boundaries of genre-bending with a grungy rock and western sound, respectively. Still, the band manages to keep their unique sound underpinning both tracks.
The melancholia of the next song, ‘Rifle’, shines through its choral backing vocals and the haunting wails of Morris. Interspersed with a wild, punky chorus, the song is whiplash for listeners. This, though, punctuates its dark and chaotic storytelling.
This is continued with the haunting sound of ‘Woman is a Tree’ which then transitions into a beautiful folky ballad. Ethereal strings help weave an intricate story of womanhood. It is an emotional, rebellious track which is ripe for interpretation.
Similarly, ‘I Hold Your Anger’ is dark and broody with more impressive vocals and a catchy chorus. More commentary on womanhood and the depth of the responsibilities they face pairs nicely with the punch backing track. ‘I Hold Your Anger’ is an anthem for feminine rage.
‘Sail Away’ is perhaps the most singular and surprising track on the record. Stripped down to just Morris’ vocals and Aurora Nishevci’s piano, this song feels like a lullaby. Its cadence wraps you into a warm hug and promises to be with you through anything. It is a beautiful, standout track which proves that The Last Dinner Party can do anything.
After the catchy single ‘The Scythe’, the album closes out with ‘Inferno’. More biblical imagery and references to Joan of Arc accompany a rather jazzy beat. This song feels like the culmination of all of the previous songs on the album. It ties the themes together and then abruptly ends – suggesting more to come in the future from The Last Dinner Party.
Overall, this album is proof of The Last Dinner Party’s continued success. The band is making its mark and telling the world that they are here to stay. Their unique, maximalist sound has been refined – but they are not afraid to bend genres and try out new styles. Highlights of the album for me were ‘Sail Away’ and ‘Count the Ways’ which both demonstrate the spectrum of their ability.
The Last Dinner Party will tour From the Pyre in their upcoming tour which will span 32 shows across the UK, Europe, and Australia.
Words by Ava Hicks
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