Divine Comedy: An 'Absent' March

The Divine Comedy release a new album, 'Absent Friends', on March 29th. It was recorded at the end of last year and has been produced and largely performed by Neil Hannon, since the old band lineup went their own ways. It's been mixed by Nigel Godrich, so it's probably going to sound bloody good, innit.

The first single, 'Come Home Billy Bird', preceeds it on March 22nd. It features guest vocals by ex-Kenickie girl and current Xfm DJ, Lauren Laverne.

Full tracklisting for the album is thus:

Absent Friends
Sticks and Stones
Leaving Today
Come Home Billy Bird
My Imaginary Friend
The Wreck Of The Beautiful
Our Mutual Friend
The Happy Goth
Freedom Road
Laika's Theme
Charmed Life

Neil had this to say about it: "Most of the songs employ stories and characters as a framework within which are discussed the loose themes of coming, going and not quite being where you want to be."