On September 19, 2025, Northern Irish band Divine Comedy
released their latest album, “Rainy Sunday Afternoon.” The band formed in 1989
and is fronted by Neil Hannon, who has been the only constant member of the
band since its formation. This album is the band’s 13th album.
This album consists of 11 songs, but the deluxe album has 13
additional live recordings of some songs. This review focuses on the base album
that consists of 11 songs, though the deluxe version has live versions of songs
that are not on the regular album.
All of the songs on the album have a different subject, but
they each have a vibe of a rainy Sunday afternoon, whether that means
reflecting on the past or visiting a museum. It makes listeners want to curl up
in a cozy blanket and a warm beverage while listening to the album.
The album’s mixing is very well done. The background instrumentals
are balanced so the vocals can be heard and understood clearly. Some people may
not like that each song sounds similar overall, they all fit the “Rainy Sunday
Afternoon” vibe of the album title.
While the album’s vibe and sound is consistent throughout
each of the songs, each song tells its own story. From a silly story about a
man turning into a chair to a love song portraying a couple’s story, there are
a variety of stories, allowing listeners of all walks of life to find something
that speaks and connects to them.
“Achilles” is the first song on the album. The vibes of the
song may remind listeners of walking through a museum, whether that means an art
museum or another type of museum. While Divine Comedy is an Irish band, this
song personally reminded me of visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art since I
did visit that museum on a rainy afternoon (it was a Friday, though).
Overall, this album lives up to its title, both in overall
vibes and through the content of the lyrics. It taps into the darker, more
melancholy side that we all have inside up and allows us to release it.
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