End of the century (Fin De Siecle - Divine Comedy)

Member Name: davepridd

Product:	Fin De Siecle - Divine Comedy
Date:	23/07/00 (14 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fantastic music and performing

Disadvantages: Sometimes a bit too miserable

This is the Divine Comedy's most recent studio album, and it is about how society is going at the end of the 20th century with songs about the death of Princess Diana, trouble in Northern Ireland, Natural disasters and even cheap coach travel. It is probably the most lavishly produced album I have ever come across with 7 members in the group, and a full orchestra and choir added for even more impact. Some of the tracks would not sound out of place in some of the better west-end musicals whereas others sound like extravegant pieces of classical music.

The mood would be quite doom and gloom were it not for the very funny 'National Express', and the emotional, but uplifting 'Sunrise'. The sound is just huge, with no rock group being able to produce so much power, yet at the same time it always remains very melodic, and it never becomes unpleasant to listen to. You have to admire Neil Hannon's voice for being able to stand up to such an enormous backing group (no fewer than 110 musicians are credited); whilst he might not be as accomplished as Scott Walker, whom he aspires to, he is still better than many other pop singers, and he can convey emotions and dynamics very well. He also has a fantastic range - 'Sunrise' is a good example of this.

When Neil Hannon collaborates with Joby Talbot is when really stunning results occur; 'Eric the Gardener', and 'Certainty of Chance' are huge epics with some of the best arrangement you are likely to see in pop music.

Summary: