The Divine Comedy – Rainy Sunday Afternoon

Rainy Sunday Afternoon is the thirteenth studio album by The Divine Comedy, released in September 2025 on Divine Comedy Records. Written, arranged, and produced by Neil Hannon at Abbey Road, the album reflects on mortality, memory, relationships, and societal shifts. Musically it leans into lush orchestral pop, with sweeping strings, brass flourishes, and Hannon’s trademark mix of wit and melancholy. Tracks like Achilles open with grandeur, while The Man Who Turned Into a Chair and Mar-a-Lago By The Sea add lighter, ironic touches, balancing solemn themes with moments of playfulness.

The record has been described as one of Hannon’s most personal works, marked by elegance and restraint. His vocal delivery is intimate, allowing the orchestration to carry the emotional weight, while his lyrics probe deeply into change and loss. Rainy Sunday Afternoon is both comforting and contemplative, showcasing Hannon’s ability to craft timeless, literate pop that resonates with long-time fans and new listeners alike.

Reviews

“Neil Hannon has used The Divine Comedy as a vehicle to celebrate the chirpy victories of the human comedy. But following the sad passing of his father and his favourite dog, the world’s slide towards deepening division … the band’s 13th album might be their most morose yet honest effort to date.” — Far Out

“Partly funded by Neil Hannon’s work on the Wonka movie soundtrack, arch songwriter’s 13th hits a peak.” — Mojo

“Affecting set of well-orchestrated songs that can bring consolation to the gloomiest hours.” — Louder Than War