Bacchanalia Magazine

by Willow Marie

The Last Dinner Party have come crashing unto the music scene as a powerful force of grandeur and catharsis with their latest album ‘From The Pyre’. In celebration of its release, the gothic quintet have taken off to sweep up the country into their tempest of candlelit melancholy and ecstatic release. Being the sixth show on their fourteen-date tour, Bridlington had its fair share of meticulously rehearsed theatrics and intricate choreography – as so graciously demonstrated by Abigail during the final chorus of This Is The Killer Speaking..

As the clock struck nine, the band descended upon the stage alongside an array of glimmering lights to perform their opening number: Agnus Dei (Lamb of God.. or did I spell it wrong?). A crowd of both newcomers and devoted followers blends into one sacred coven under the spell of these baroque stars, each attendee adorned in a mix of victorian and folk-esque attire that mirrored the likes of the band to a tee.

This performance was striking in every possible aspect: the seamlessly woven setlist which consisted of a perfect synthesis of both albums, the band’s hypnotic cohesion both vocally and rhythmically, plus Abigail’s ability to entrance the entirety of Bridlington Spa with a simple flick of the wrist. And lest we fail to mention the hauntingly euphonious harmonies, with a special mention to Emily Roberts, who is not only a goddess of conjuring sensational shreds, but also happens to be blessed with vocals from the heavens, as elucidated by her ethereal shrikes in Woman is a Tree and Second Best.

The remainder of the set consisted of an enigmatic concoction of revelry and tears, including a long anticipated yet presently unreleased track Big Dog, and a favourite at Bacchanalia: Rifle. This track in particular grasped the crowd by their ribbons and dragged them into the climactic depths of Mayland’s mythic proclamation.

Hailing from London, TLDP had not previously had the honour of visiting Bridlington in all its glory, yet the band joyously remarked their approval of the sea-side haven (which inevitably led to the ritualistic chanting of ‘Yorkshire, Yorkshire, Yorkshire!’).

Closing with a symphonious encore of This Is The Killer Speaking and an explosive reprise of Agnus Dei, Morris took the time to thank each and every crew member by name, including the honourable Bankuet, a charity which places donations exactly where they are needed to prevent any waste and ensure the livelihood of those who may need it. The night ended with a swell of instrumental intensity and emotional resonance – it’s undeniable that all attendees were left hungry to relive the spectacle once more.