A lot has happened to Neil Hannon since the last The Divine Comedy studio album, the top 5 Office Politics, in 2019. Their entire back catalogue was lovingly remastered and rereleased in 2020, while a sensational best of, Charmed Life, also went top 5 when it came out in 2022 accompanied by a suitably wonderful nationwide tour.
More recently, Neil Hannon wrote all the original songs for the global blockbuster ‘Wonka.’ The Official Charts Co. announced it as the UK’s most popular film of 2024.
This September sees the release of the 13th and possibly best Divine Comedy album, Rainy Sunday Afternoon. Recorded at Abbey Road, the album is written, arranged and produced by Neil Hannon. The album exquisitely covers his usual range of emotions: sad, funny, angry and everything in between. New track ‘Achilles’ offers a taste of what’s to come.
“My musical output is, for better or worse, a representation of my personality,” Neil Hannon admits. “A good chunk of that personality revels in the rumbumptious; celebrates the silly. And I made ample use of that for the Wonka songs.”
“I have, though, like everyone, a darker, more melancholy side. And for one reason or another it has been much in evidence of late,” Neil explains. “I needed to use this album as an outlet for those feelings. To work through some stuff. Mortality; memories; relationships; political and social upheaval. Everyone should get to make an orchestral pop album once in a while. It should be available on the NHS.”
And what a prescription that would be. One listen to Rainy Sunday Afternoon will certainly provide a tonic for these turbulent times. Two listens and you’ll be addicted.
