The Divine Comedy

Their 13th album exquisitely covers Neil Hannon's usual range of emotions: sad, funny, angry and everything in between.

Neil Hannon says: “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 awhile. 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