Taking the world by storm after the release of their debut single ‘Nothing Matters’, The Last Dinner Party were quick to take off. With a number 1 hit under their collective belt, and a soaring following on TikTok, it was no surprise when the band charted with the release of their debut album ‘Prelude to Ecstasy’, which came out earlier this year. Now boasting a sold-out tour, I couldn’t wait to get through the door tonight at the o2 City Hall to see what all the fuss was about.

Opening the night was Frankie Archer who has an ethereal talent for storytelling. She brings to the stage traditional folk song accompanied by the fiddle in sweet and jarring drones that drive every word of the tale. Archer celebrates our northern heritage and was a delight to watch as she did full justice to 300-year-old stories that told tales of women long gone.

Next up was Kaeto, a London based Scottish singer whose alluring gaze captured and captivated the audience. She created an aura of travelling through time with singles such as ‘No Body’ and ‘Don’t Ask’, which went heavy on the reverb. And then we had the main event itself with a set lifted from The Garden of Eden, cherubs adorning the stage that was shrouded in clouds.

The band entered stage left in spectacular outfits as the audience screamed. Opening with the songs ‘Burn Alive’ and ‘Caesar on a TV Screen’ their stage presence and confident vibe filled the room. I was struck by the sheer talent on stage with members casually switching between lead vocals and different instruments.

I was particularly impressed by lead guitarist Emily Roberts on flute and Aurora Nishevci, who you’d usually find rocking behind a grand piano, who sung in her mother tongue on the song ‘Gjuha’ meaning tongue in Albanian. Rhythm guitarist Lizzie Mayland took top vocals for a cover of a Catherine Howe song ‘Up North’ (stunning vocals), and then we had Abigail Morris’s smooth transition from ‘The Feminine Urge’ to a cover of Blondie’s ‘Call Me’. It was utterly joyous.

A true spectacle and feast for the eyes (and ears) the show ended with an encore of the song that started it all ‘Nothing Matters’. It was pure perfection and left everyone begging for more.

This is only the beginning for The Last Dinner Party, but I can confidently say that they’re off on a bombastic start.

Barrah T Al-Badry