The Divine Comedy will return with their 13th studio album later this year.
Led by singer, songwriter and composer Neil Hannon, the orchestral-pop outfit will release 'Rainy Sunday Afternoon' on September 19. It follows up 2019's 'Office Politics', though Hannon did put out the 'Charmed Life - The Best of the Divine Comedy' compilation in 2022. He also penned original songs for the 2023 film Wonka.
Recorded at the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London last autumn, 'Rainy Sunday Afternoon' was written, arranged and produced by Hannon, and reflects on a variety of issues, from mortality to politics.
As a preview, check out the record's melancholic lead single, Achilles, which offers rhythmic acoustic guitars and a string arrangement that brings a cinematic and operatic quality to the production. Hannon said:
"My musical output is, for better or worse, a representation of my personality. 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. 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."
The Divine Comedy will celebrate the record's release with a UK tour in October, with Irish and European dates set to be scheduled for next year. Tickets go on general sale at 10am on April 17.
The Divine Comedy Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows
Mon October 06 2025 - LIVERPOOL Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
Tue October 07 2025 - NOTTINGHAM Royal Concert Hall
Wed October 08 2025 - BATH Bath Forum
Fri October 10 2025 - GATESHEAD Glasshouse International Centre for Music - Sage 1
Sat October 11 2025 - LONDON Barbican
Sun October 12 2025 - LONDON Barbican
Mon October 13 2025 - BRIGHTON Brighton Dome Concert Hall
Wed October 15 2025 - CAMBRIDGE Corn exchange
Thu October 16 2025 - SHEFFIELD City Hall
Fri October 17 2025 - WOLVERHAMPTON University of Wolverhampton at The Civic Hall
Sat October 18 2025 - SWANSEA Swansea Building Society Arena
Mon October 20 2025 - GLASGOW Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
Tue October 21 2025 - YORK York Barbican
Thu October 23 2025 - OXFORD New Theatre
Fri October 24 2025 - MANCHESTER Bridgewater Hall
Sat October 25 2025 - BRISTOL Bristol Beacon
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