Review
The Last Dinner Party's second outing "From The Pyre" finds the British quintet wrestling with the weight of expectation while exploring the intriguing tension between restraint and excess. When they lean into minimalism, magic happens—"The Scythe" strips away the bells and whistles to reveal Morris' vocal prowess in its most naked form, a haunting meditation that cuts straight to the bone. "Sail Away" follows suit with its piano-driven intimacy, proving that sometimes less really is more when you've got pipes like these to showcase.
The album's more theatrical moments tell a different story entirely. Those French interludes and sprawling arrangements that pepper tracks like "Agnus Dei" and "This is the Killer Speaking" often feel like the band is trying too hard to recreate some grand artistic vision, resulting in compositions that are busy rather than bold. The production choices don't always serve them well either—there's a glossy veneer that occasionally smothers their natural fire, making you wonder what these songs might sound like with a bit more grit and spontaneity.
Despite its uneven moments, "From The Pyre" reveals a band still finding its footing in fascinating ways. Morris remains a commanding presence throughout, whether she's delivering the direct emotional punch of "I Hold Your Anger" or navigating the baroque complexities of "Woman is a Tree." While this sophomore effort doesn't quite capture the electric energy of their live shows, it's a compelling document of artists pushing boundaries and refusing to play it safe, even when those risks don't always pay off. - Lila
