Liberation - Divine Comedy

Ok, it may seem that the music is right out of a Merchant & Ivory film, but nevertheless it is certainly different to what is going on in the mainstream. Neil Hannon has an amazing vocal range and powerful voice which complements the dramatic and emotional subject of the songs. Also, his lyrics are just the right side of sweet, with perhaps a darker side making itself seen now and then, especially in 'Three Sisters'. With swelling orchestral backing and well written songs, Liberation is a great first album! ...  Read the complete review

It tells you something of the kind of band The Divine Comedy are that the first track of their first album ('Festive Road') is a song about the classic kids' BBC TV character Mr Benn. It is hard to believe that Neil Hannon & Co began life trying to sound like REM, because LIBERATION, like most of their work, is influenced by the likes of Morrissey and Scott Walker, and vaguely reminscent to the listener of Britpop stalwarts like Pulp and Blur. It is a brisk, poppy album - epitomized by 'The Pop Singer's Fear of the Pollen Count', a catchy, upbeat single about hay fever, and the vaguely rocky 'Bernice Bobs Her Hair'. Less immediate ...  Read the complete review