The Divine Comedy reveal details of 13th album, Rainy Sunday Afternoon.
A lot has happened to Neil Hannon since the last The Divine Comedy studio album, Office Politics, in 2019. Their entire back catalogue was remastered and rereleased in 2020, while a sensational best of, Charmed Life, 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, and this September sees the release of the 13th 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.”
Listen below:
Orchestral Pop
“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.”
One listen to Rainy Sunday Afternoon will certainly provide a tonic for these turbulent times. Two listens and you’ll be addicted.
To celebrate the release of the album, The Divine Comedy will tour the UK this October.
EU & Irish Dates
October 2025
06 Mon Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool
07 Tue Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
08 Wed Forum, Bath
10 Fri The Glasshouse, Gateshead
11 Sat Barbican, London
12 Sun Barbican, London
13 Mon Dome, Brighton
15 Wed Corn Exchange, Cambridge
16 Thu City Hall, Sheffield
17 Fri Uni The Civic Hall, Wolverhampton
18 Sat Building Society Arena, Swansea
20 Mon Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow
21 Tue Barbican, York
23 Thu New Theatre, Oxford
24 Fri Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
25 Sat Beacon, Bristol
Tickets go on sale at 10am on Thursday 17 April click here.
Rainy Sunday Afternoon is due to be released on 19 September and is available to preorder now. Album formats include standard black and limited edition colour LPs, standard CD and a limited edition deluxe CD which includes a bonus disc. Click here
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