The Divine Comedy, Albert Hall. 18th October 2019

Well I guess it was going to happen sooner or later, a (slightly) disappointing gig at my beloved Albert Hall. Usually this venue is flawless, but the wheels came off for The Divine Comedy tonight. Ridiculously oversold, making the the experience uncomfortable and the usually impeccable sound feeling muddy and uncharacteristicly quiet in this epic space. First rule of any gig, turn the volume UP! Such a shame for this band who’s sharp wit and sharper production needed something much more befitting of Neil Hannon’s magnificent story-laden pop songs. They didn’t always do themselves any favours though, the 5 piece band with him are tight, so tight they barely move an inch, aside the bassist on a few numbers who remembers his feet aren’t glued down. Hannon is of course the focus, resplendent in his fitted red suit, but for all his enthusiasm the crowd struggle to muster much of an atmosphere and generally feels flat through much of the show. Especially in an interlude in which Hannon trades lines with a 1980s office computer (a theme of the new album), but the sound is so bad, the crowd lose interest and just chat amongst themselves. It wasn’t terrible, I can honestly say I liked every song in the set. Predictably fan favourites like ‘National Express’ seemed the most popular, but I really love the new album with ‘Norma and Norman’ being the stand out. These songs have a beautiful and quintessential British charm (the delightful kind, not the ‘It was better when Britain was British Brexit supporting kind), but it was still quite nice when the lights came up at a pretty early 22:00 and we were released from the packed venue (or hell if we’re going to reference a bit of Dante) into the Manchester night for some much needed air (or salvation).