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With a delightfully exquisite ninth album, ‘Victory For The Comic Muse’ fleshly released, Neil Hannon and his crew The Divine Comedy start a thorough European tour, that will see them on the road until November 5th, with a few festival dates thrown in.
Tonight we are in the amazing setting that is Somerset House, a magnificent 18th century site by the river Thames.
Outdoors, in the cobbled court yard, surrounded by imposing historical buildings, we are gently caressed by a cool breeze.
The sun has set, the sky is a beautiful shade of dark blue, the crowd is incredibly ‘civilised’, it’s a beautiful evening but it’s about to get better. |
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At 9:15 the seven musicians that are today The Divine Comedy take to the stage and to their instruments, a cello, violin, percussion, keyboards....to a round of applause.
But decibels reach an impressive level as Mr Neil Hannon makes an appearance.
Somewhat dubious looking in his dark suit, pink/apricot open necked shirt and Aviator shades, he stand at the top of the stage, open armed, savouring the rapturous applause.
Aware that he has become one of the most talented song writers around, this man absolutely oozes confidence, pride and charm.
After some friendly banter, he opens with the first track on his latest Lp, ‘To Die A Virgin’ or as the chorus goes, “I don’t want to die a virgin” , but don’t worry Neil, I wouldn’t let this happen to you.
Then comes old time favourite ‘National Express’ and current single ‘Diva Lady’.
It’s a wind whirl of hits, past and present and ‘Victory For The Comic Muse’ gets a good airing with songs like ‘A Lady Of A Certain Age’, ‘The Light Of Day’, ‘Arthur C. Clarkes’s Mysterious World’.
He sweetly dedicates ‘Mother Dear’ to his mum “because she’s really nice” and has the female audience loudly swooning over.
He manages to turn a few false starts into a comic interaction with the audience.
There is also his superb version of The Associates’ ‘Party Fears Two’ and it’s breakneck, galloping melody.
But we gratefully travel back in time with ‘Charmed Life’, ‘Generation Sex’, ‘Our Mutual Friend’ and a few more.
As hundreds of people follow his every move, the admiration and respect for this musical genius is almost palpable and between numbers Neil knows how to get a reaction from his adoring audience but it’s now time for this eight strong ensemble to exit the stage...
There are back with a couple of numbers, ‘Lucy’ and ‘Tonight We Fly’.
Of course Neil couldn’t do this on his own and he has surrounded himself with accomplished musicians he now individually introduces to us.
After another quick exit they are back for one last encounter....
The sing along to ‘Perfect Lovesong’, plucked from 2001 Lp ‘Regeneration’, under the London stars sends a chill down my spine.
A perfect ending to a perfect evening.
This is the most fun one can have with one’s clothes on, and it’s highly recommended.
Words: Florence ACHERY
www.thedivinecomedy.com
www.myspace.com/thedivinecomedy |
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The Divine Comedy |
