British “rising star” indie rock band The Last Dinner Party stroll onstage and do the unthinkable, addressing the audience in almost flawless Japanese. This act demonstrates a degree of commitment and preparation that too few bands have the energy or intelligence to deliver. 

And when the music starts, they carry the high-waisted, hip-wagging bravura with them for every song in their 60-minute set. In recent years, the band has been touring with their debut, “Prelude to Ecstasy,” and they know every note and word of it by heart now. 

When it comes to styling, the band is an eclectic mix of closet finds and thrift store ware. No two members dress the same, but their belts resemble corsets. Similarly, the instruments that band members choose are an eclectic mix of flutes and keytars, along with bass, guitar, and drums. 

The Last Dinner Party are definitely one of the bands of the moment, winning the “BBC Sound of 2024” and the “Brits Rising Star” awards. So there’s no wonder they have been booked to play Green Stage this year. And true to expectations, the band has managed to fill the Green Stage bowl, with very little sitting area aside from the tree line. 

Singer Abigail Morris uses her whole body to croon and brings a lot of emotion to each performance as the band rose through the ranks of the music industry, playing small clues and gigging constantly as a 5-piece. This sets them aside from the YouTube sensations, who are more popular online but have little to back it up when they have to play in front of large festival audiences.

The band has added a new cover song that they debuted at Fuji Rock, Blondie’s “Call Me,” which is a nod to bigger audiences, and the fact that much of their music is nostalgic, drawing upon influences such as Abba, Carpenters, and even modern-day female singer-songwriters. And many of their songs draw upon personal experiences such as attending Catholic school, personal relationships, heartache, and pain.

The band’s guitarist, Emily Roberts, comes from a modern rock tradition and trades in quick, sharp riffs and solos. There are hints of other influences, including her jazz training.

The Last Dinner Party setlist @ Fuji Rock
Burn Alive
Caesar on a TV
The Feminine Urge
Second Best
On Your Side
Gjuha
Sinner
Portrait of a Dead Girl
Mirror
Call Me
Big Dog
My Lady of Mercy
Yeehaw Interlude
Nothing Matters