New Album Announcement
The Divine Comedy has unveiled details about their upcoming album titled “Rainy Sunday.” Check out the new single “Achilles” and the latest tour dates below.
- Read more: Rock ‘N’ Roll kills Brain Cells?! – Neil Hannon, Divine Comedy
Announced today (April 9), this record marks the first new studio album from the Divine Comedy since their LP, Office Politics, was released in 2019. It will also include a reissue of their back catalog next year, as well as the best album of “Fascinated Life,” released in 2022.
Slated for release on September 19, the new album will be the 13th from the group and was recorded at the iconic Abbey Road Studios.
Insights from Neil Hannon
According to the latest press release, the album is written, arranged, and produced by Neil Hannon and will delve into some of life’s most intense emotions—”sad, funny, evil, and everything in between.”
Alongside the album news, the group also shared a teaser for what fans can expect with the release of the single “Achilles.”
This track embodies the essence of the album, showcasing Hannon’s playful side as he drew inspiration from writing original songs for the 2023 film starring Timothee Chalamet in the lead role of Wonka.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yif2gw-_-i
“My musical output, for better or worse, reflects my personality,” Neil Hannon shares. “A large part of that personality revels in Rumbumptious; it celebrates silliness. I applied that zest while creating songs for Wonka,” he added.
“However, I’ve also been feeling more somber and melancholic lately for various reasons,” Neil elaborates. “I needed to channel those feelings into this album, to process themes like mortality, memories, relationships, and political and social upheaval. Everyone should create an orchestral pop album—it ought to be available on the NHS!”
Check out the song above and pre-order the album here.
In addition to the new material, the Divine Comedy has also announced a UK tour set to commence this fall.
A total of 16 shows have been added, starting with a performance at the Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool on October 6. The tour continues the following night (October 7) at the Royal Concert Hall in Nottingham, followed by shows in Bath, Brighton, Cambridge, Sheffield, Wolverhampton, and Glasgow.
Two performances are scheduled at the Barbican in London on October 11 and 12, with additional dates in Glasgow, York, Oxford, Manchester, and Brighton throughout the month.
Tickets will go on sale next Thursday (April 17) at 10 a.m., and you can find them here. The press release also mentions that additional shows in Ireland and Europe will be announced later.
Dates of the Divine Comedy Tour in the UK 2025:
October
6 – Liverpool, Philharmonic Hall
7 – Nottingham, Royal Concert Hall
8 – Bath, Forum
10 – Gateshead, The Sage
11 – London, Barbican
12 – London, Barbican
13 – Brighton, Dome
15 – Cambridge, Corn Exchange
16 – Sheffield, City Hall
17 – Wolverhampton, The Civic Hall
18 – Sunderland, Arena
20 – Glasgow, Royal Concert Hall
21 – York, Barbican
23 – Oxford, New Theatre
24 – Manchester, Bridgewater Hall
25 – Bristol, The Lighthouse
In addition to his work with the Divine Comedy, Neil Hannon has recently composed original music for stage and screen productions. This includes the aforementioned Wonka film, as well as the comedy Swallows and Amazons, performed at the Vaudeville Theatre in London in 2011, and contributions to the musical adaptation of Father Ted.
https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-divine-comedy-announce-album-rainy-sunday-afternoon-new-single-achilles-uk-tour-3853148?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-divine-comedy-announce-album-rainy-sunday-afternoon-new-single-achilles-uk-tour
