Despite having resolved the band last year, Neil Hannon is back with a new album from The Divine Comedy. To be released on March 29, the new material, "Absent Friends" was recorded in London during 2003 with the assistance of Guy Massey and Nigel Godrich. Neil's also employing the help of a few friends on the album... particularly Lauren Lavern (XFM DJ and former Kenickie songstress) and Yann Tiersen (the composer of the Amelie soundtrack... but you knew that right?). According to Neil, "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". The first single 'Come Home Billy Bird' (a duet with Lauren Laverne) will hit the UK shelves on March 22, but word is it's already circulating around the internet to mass appeal.

The Divine Comedy is looking for volunteers to help promote the upcoming west coast tour in each city. If you'd like to get involved please email: friends@thedivinecomedy.com by December 13th.

Also up on the Divine Comedy's news page is a statement by Neil regarding his future plans as 'The Divine Comedy', the loves of a new father, and more.
Neil will be playing in the following cities:

01/23/03 Portland, OR TBA
01/24/03 Seattle, WA Crocodile Café
01/25/03 Vancouver, BC Richard's on Richards
01/27/03 San Francisco, CA Slim's
01/28/03 Los Angeles, CA Troubadour
01/29/03 Costa Mesa, CA Detroit Bar