We Love The City

The latest in a line of London pop bands taking a shot at the big time, Hefner are far too big-hearted to come over as icy Bowie clones.

Their arrangements can seem sparse but the songs on We Love The City brim with urban paranoia and a yearning for love typified by the title track: "We love the city because it lets us down/we love all the things that lead us to think/that maybe true love can be found".

They aren’t always so straightforward. One of the most bizarre aspects of We Love the City is how the latter half of the album veers to surreal extremes, incorporating odd Carry on Popstar horn sections and shouty backing vocals. Initially, it’s a very welcome departure, as 'She Can't Sleep No More' adds a healthy dose of comic relief to what was becoming a slightly monochrome pop postcard. 'The Day That Thatcher Dies' won't be getting much airplay on the BBC, with lines such as "even though we know its not right/we will dance and sing all night". Sentiment aside, it is a rather overdone effort that can't boast a verse or chorus as memorable as its title.

We Love The City remains a charming if very uneven experience. The more ridiculous fringe elements of Britannia's indie pop world should take note.