Religious Trauma & Cinematics: Prelude to Ecstasy by The Last Dinner Party
Overall Rating: 8.6/10
The Last Dinner Party’s Prelude to Ecstasy delves into the complexities of human emotion and experience, exploring themes of love, loss, longing, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming. The album doesn’t shy away from difficult emotions, grappling with themes of betrayal, desire, and the darker aspects of human nature. However, it also finds moments of beauty and transcendence that evoke a sense of spiritual yearning. Prelude to Ecstasy is also notable for its exploration of feminine power and agency. It presents women as complex and multifaceted beings, capable of both great love and fierce independence. Musically, the album draws on a range of influences, from classical and baroque pop to indie rock, creating a sound that is both timeless and contemporary. Ultimately, Prelude to Ecstasy is an ambitious and evocative work that invites listeners to contemplate the full spectrum of human experience.
Track 1: Prelude to Ecstasy 8.4/10
Gorgeous instrumental that makes you feel like they’re about to open the curtain onto a play. Sets up the theme of the rest of the album: loud, dramatic, theatrical, emotional. Feels very reminiscent of the phantom of the opera. It also transitions well into Burn Alive.
Track 2: Burn Alive 8.7/10
The first lyrical song of the album – very indulgent, witchy, reminiscent of the Salem witch trials. Deals with issues on women in society (as much of the album does) so it sets up the whole album as a societal commentary
Favorite lyrics: “Candle wax melting in my veins”, “Let me make my grief a commodity”
Their voices are truly impeccable and that shows in this song; strong, passionate, but also delicate at times.
Track 3: Caeser on a TV Screen 7.6/10
Gender is a construct! Women are powerful! Also, yearning for power as approval and pride from others. Musically, this song is a little all over the place, changing keys multiple times. Some parts are swingy and rambunctious, some get quieter and more somber, and some are almost pleading and dripping with emotion.
“I’d trade my tongue in just to hear him every night”
Track 4: The Feminine Urge 8/10
Another women in society themed song. Like the title suggests, it’s about femininity and the roles it falls into despite wanting to be tough to survive in the world, as well as women’s intuition. The music in this one is catchy but overall pretty average. I enjoy the background singers part a lot in this one.
“All the poison I convert it and I turn it to love”
Track 5: On Your Side 9.2/10
I’m obsessed with this song. The melody is stunning and every shift gives me chills. The lyrics are also heart wrenching, about an abusive relationship they want to stay in despite how much they’re being hurt. The ending has a long stretch of music with quick breaths over it that incites such raw emotion.
Track 6: Beautiful Boy 8.1/10
“What good are red lips when you’re faced with something sharp?” referring to the violence that women face and how putting makeup on or looking prettier can’t stop it.
Vocals are insane in this one. So pretty like a flute or a princess. Wishes she could be a beautiful boy – retaining her femininity and beauty but not having to face female issues.
Track 7: Gjuha 7.9/10
This is kind of an intermission song that makes you feel like you’re alone in a church with a choir singing to you. Very powerful. English translation:
“It could take some time / Time to talk freely
No I won’t speak to you / Clean your mouth
My language is broken / I don’t know how to translate it
It could take me some time
I lost my language / I never learnt it
I’ve lived a long time without a vocabulary.
My beautiful / it’s my fate
To have never seen you.”
Track 8: Sinner 9.6/10
Sinner!!!!! One of my favorites for sure. The staccato piano notes that transition into the guitar melody >> The music and the lyrics are both irreverent and fit together so well.
“I wish I knew you before it felt like a sin”
Track 9: My Lady of Mercy 9/10
I love this one. I love the juxtaposition of a very staccato, upbeat melody with a dramatic, powerful chorus. I also love the religious and sexual imagery;
“Picture me in bed
Under your crucifix / Under your long black hair
I’ll see you on Sunday”
Also, the belting and screaming vocals at the end give me LIFE.
Track 10: Portrait of a Dead Girl 8.8/10
Obsessed. Every lyric in this one is incredible. a lot of key changes/vibe changes throughout, which makes it engrossing. My one critique is that it does get a tiny bit repetitive towards the end but the guitar solo behind the vocals is amazing.
Track 11: Nothing Matters 9.7/10
Favorite song on the album. Also, actually the song that got me into the album. Truly makes me feel like nothing matters and that the world has stopped. The vocals and the guitar melodies on this one are so good. The way she just completely lets go for some of the vocals..
Track 12: Mirror 9.3/10
Incredible end to the album. The production on this one is so deep and rich. The mirror imagery and symbolism are so relatable and heartbreaking. Intense instrumentals that fit the song so well.
“I’m just a mirror, pretty glass, an empty heart
I’m just a mirror, I don’t exist without your gaze”
The instrumentals at the end that finish everything out >>
Check out my vibe check of PORTALS by Melanie Martinez for more life & death imagery.
