Hefner

by Jason Ankeny   British urban-folk trio Hefner traced its roots to 1992, when singer/guitarist Darren Hayman met drummer Anthony Harding while the two were attending art school in Kent; relocating to London two years later, the duo later added bassist John Morrison, recording their 1996 debut single "Another Better Friend" just the second time all three played together. The record attracted positive underground buzz, and in late 1997 Hefner signed to the legendary Too Pure label, issuing the limited edition ten-inch The Hefner Soul the following spring. After a much-acclaimed single, "Pull Yourself Together, " the trio released the full-length Breaking God's Heart in mid-1998; The Fidelity Wars appeared a year later. The new millennium, however saw a deal with Beggars Banquet and after much success with the singles collection Boxing Hefner, the band issued We Love the City in early 2001. A year later, Dead Media was released, showcasing a lo-fi electronic sound.