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Hefner is Darren Hayman (vocals, guitar, keys) John Morrison (bass) and Antony Harding (drums and vocals). The debut Hefner album was 'Breaking God's Heart' from 1998. Recorded very quickly in Scotland, it shows Hefner as a scratchy, folky, lo-fi band. Darren likes to disown it, but many people love it. Perhaps not the best choice for your first purchase. |
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The second Hefner album, 'Fidelity Wars' is the fans favourite. Darker, tougher, and more rocking then its predecessor and the first of Darren's many themed albums. The songs 'Hymn for the Cigarettes' and 'Hymn for the Alcohol' came 2nd and 3rd in John Peels festive 50 for 1999 and the album itself was number 1 in the independent charts. This album also marks the arrival of multi instrumentalist Jack Hayter as a 4th member. |
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'We Love The Ciy' was Hefner's best selling record. Its a collection of love songs with a brass section and additional vocals from Amelia Fletcher. It includes some of Hefner's best known songs; 'Greedy Ugly People', 'Good Fruit' and 'Painting and Kissing'. This is Hefner at their most confident and the record remains a personal favourite of the band themselves. |
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'Dead Media' is a slightly odd finish to Hefner's four album career. Half the songs are of an electronic nature and many fans were turned off. Time has been kind to this record though and there are many hidden gems that Darren still plays live like 'Junk' and 'Alan Bean'. However Hefner's inability to sustain their fanbase whilst diversifying their sound caused them to call it a day at the end of 2001. |
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After Hefner John and Darren formed a new electronic band, 'The French' and made 'Local Information'. The punters still stayed away but this album is all about tunes and lyrics and Darren considers this to be the best set of songs he has written. Beautiful blips and heartbreaking words. |
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After a few years away Darren returned in 2006 with his debut solo album; 'Table For One'. A return to guitars and the introduction of a more folky sound. Features songs such as 'Caravan Song' and 'Perfect Homes'. Caused the Guardian to call him "the match of Ray Davies". |
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Things came full circle in 2007 with the first album to be recorded with a band in a proper recording studio since 'We Love the City'. Bright, accessible, sharp and folky, Darren's band featured banjo, piano, violin and brass. 'Darren Hayman and the Secondary Modern' shows Darren moving in an increasingly english eccentric mode of writing, and paves the way for the 4 finished albums he has planned for 2008 and 2009. |
