Hefner - We Love The City

by Benjamin Howarth

published: 17 / 12 / 2001

Label: Too Pure
Format: CD

intro

Here is the new album from London group Hefner which follows two highly acclaimed previous albums ('Breaking God's Heart' and 'The Fidelity Wars') and a tidying up compilation 'Boxing Hefner', which

Here is the new album from London group Hefner which follows two highly acclaimed previous albums ('Breaking God's Heart' and 'The Fidelity Wars') and a tidying up compilation 'Boxing Hefner', which was released earlier this year. Whilst never building up a great deal of support in the British national music press they have become popular through word of mouth and the strong support of John Peel and Steve Lamacq on Radio 1. The tracks on this album will be familiar to some because of a fantastic Peel session which was broadcast live in August. To be honest, over these three albums vocalist Darren Haymen's style of songwriting has hardly changed. But it does remain excellent! The band have changed through time though, and this record sees the introduction of multi-instrumentalist and previous contributor Jack Hayter as a full time member and Amelia Fletcher of Marine Research on backing vocals. They join Hayman, bassist John Morrison and drummer Ant Harding. Also introduced is a horn section, which allows the group to sidestep fears that they are not extending themselves. In terms of songwriting, what does appear here that hasn't before are full blown anthems with mass singalong choruses. These may have appeared because of the grander fleshed out sound , which replaces the guitar-bass-drums approach of the previous albums". Take the recent singles 'Good Fruit' and 'The Greedy Ugly People' which both feature said singalongs. 'Greedy...'s closing "Love Don't Cure No Cancer" refrain is likely to be a highlight of the group's forthcoming British tour. Lyrically the album is not as good as 'The Fidelity Wars', which was a classic example of Hayman's wit and storytelling, but musically it is a huge improvement at times. The best songs here are better than anything they have previously done (the singles, 'Greater London Radio', 'Hold Me Closer', 'The Day That Thatcher Dies') but it also contains the weakest (the truly terrible 'Don't Go'). Despite this, the album is enjoyable. Hefner are a fan's group because they always give you what you want to hear, release albums regularily, and play regular gigs. Whilst this isn't the best album of the year it is still very good. If you are a fan you will love this, and if you are new to their music, it is the most accessible of all their their albums because of its richer sound. Hefner remain an interesting group who provide an alternative to experimental electronica and lo-fi. One of our best bands. Decent record.

Track Listing:-

1 We love the city
2 The greedy ugly people
3 Good fruit
4 Painting and kissing
5 Hold me closer
6 Don't go
7 The greater london radio
8 As soon as you're ready
9 She can't sleep no more
10 The cure for evil
11 The day that thatcher dies
12 Your head to your toes

Label Links:-

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interviews

Interview (2006)

Former Hefner frontman has recently returned with his first solo album. 'Table for One'. He talks to Ben Howarth about why Hefner decided to part company and the new album

Interview (2002)

Interview (2000)

favourite album

Dead Media (2011)

Ben Howarth examines the case for Hefner's much criticised-at-the-time 2001 electronic-influenced and final album, 'Dead Media', which has just been reissued in a new double CD edition

We Love the City (2009)

The Fidelity Wars (2008)