The Divine Comedy - Absent Friends

It would appear that The Divine Comedy, or rather Neil Hannon, has returned to the original plan. Still on Parlophone, after leaving Setanta, Hannon drafts in Yann Tiersen as well as Lauren Laverne, who performs the vocals for the first single from the record, ‘Come Home Billy Bird’.

‘Absent Friends’ could quite easily be imagined playing as the credits roll on ‘Gunfight at the OK Coral’. Great music and inspired use of a trumpet. Only the second track in and ‘Sticks & Stones’ shows us what Hannon’s voice is really made of. A magnificent perfomance with great lyrics and a fantastic rhythm. Here follow a few ‘growers’; including the single ‘Come Home Billy Bird’ as well as gentle and melodic ‘Leaving Today’ (a song, which, once it has done it’s growing, you wont be able to stop listening to). A bouncy, delightful track ‘My Imaginary Friend’ could have you chuckling for a while.‘The Wreck Of The Beautiful’, with simple guitar work and somewhat creepy backing vocals is sure to arouse your curiosity. Next, another great track, ‘Our Mutual Friend’ features a pulsating rhythm that quickly catches in your mind.

It would seem that Hannon’s back with the usual mix of eloquence and grandeur as well as humour and buoyancy. As Neil would say, ‘Raise your glasses, then, to Absent Friends’.