New single ‘Invisible Thread’ is one of the many highlights on the wonderful ‘Rainy Sunday Afternoon’, the 13th and possibly best Divine Comedy album, out September 19th on their own imprint.
Listen HERE
Written, produced, and arranged by Neil Hannon and recorded at Abbey Road, ‘Invisible Thread’ wrestles with the highs and lows of parenthood and that dreaded moment when you realise your children must make their own way in the world.
“It’s about that pang of worry when they board the bus for a camping trip,” Neil says. “The heart tug when they go on their first date. It’s not as simple as ‘the ties that bind’. They are a part of you.” Fittingly, the backing vocals on the track are courtesy of Neil’s daughter Willow.
‘Invisible Thread’ is accompanied by a stunning video, directed by Wolf James and starring Ardal O’Hanlon. Debbie (aka Wolf James) says: “Neil is such a beautiful writer and artist and it’s been a joy to work with him. There’s a sense of loss and grief under those sunny lyrics and when I spoke to Neil about his inspiration – parenthood, aging, letting go – the idea of the tailor of time emerged. A man trapped by his work but freed by the creativity he feels in the presence of his little daughter. Ardal was the perfect choice for the role; himself a father, also at the cusp of change in the relationship. And such a lovely link between himself and Neil. Another invisible thread!”
Neil adds “Debbie and her tremendous cast and crew have made a magical video. And my old friend Ardal O’Hanlon is the heart and soul of the piece. The very essence of careworn fatherhood.”
‘Invisible Thread’ is the last track on ‘Rainy Sunday Afternoon’, a fitting conclusion to a sublime song cycle. In their 4* review MOJO described it as: “Hannon’s most personal and poignant album to date”.
‘Rainy Sunday Afternoon’ is available to preorder now. Formats include standard black and limited edition colour LPs, standard CD and a limited edition deluxe CD which includes a bonus disc ‘Live in Paris & London.’ The album is also available for digital pre order and pre save.
The Divine Comedy 2025 tour kicks off October 6th in Liverpool and finishes in Bristol on October 25th. Ticket links can be found HERE Full dates below:
The Divine Comedy will play the following dates:
October 2025
Mon 6th Liverpool, Philharmonic Hall (SOLD OUT)
Tue 7th Nottingham, Royal Concert Hall
Wed 8th Bath, Forum (SOLD OUT)
Fri 10th Gateshead, The Glasshouse (SOLD OUT)
Sat 11th London, Barbican (SOLD OUT)
Sun 12th London, Barbican (SOLD OUT)
Mon 13th Brighton, Dome (SOLD OUT)
Wed15th Cambridge, Corn Exchange (SOLD OUT)
Thu 16th Sheffield, City Hall
Fri 17th Wolverhampton, Uni The Civic Hall
Sat 18th Swansea, Arena
Mon 20th Glasgow, Royal Concert Hall (SOLD OUT)
Tue 21st York, Barbican (SOLD OUT)
Thu 23rd Oxford, New Theater (SOLD OUT)
Fri 24th Manchester, Bridgewater Hall (SOLD OUT)
Sat 25th Bristol, Beacon (SOLD OUT)
March 2026
Fri 27th Belfast, Waterfront Hall
Sat 28th Dublin, National Concert Hall (SOLD OUT)
Sun 29th Dublin, National Concert Hall
