Hefner - Breaking God’s Heart

Proof that there’s beauty in simplicity

Hefner driving force Darren Hayman describes his debut album as a baby photograph you pray your mother won’t show to a new partner. Well, he can squirm if he likes, but Breaking God’s Heart sounds like Jonathan Richman colliding with Galaxie 500, and is a twinkling star in the lo-fi firmament.

The album was more or less recorded in one take, soon after Hefner were signed by Too Pure. They refused reverbs, second takes or any other studio tricks that might have softened the skiffle sound, and were right to stick to their guns. From The Sweetness Lies Within, through The Librarian and Another Better Friend, this is very much like Mary Poppins: practically perfect in every way.

This welcome reissue is bolstered by a generous helping of extras, which include early four-track demos, outtakes, a boatload of top-notch B-sides (particularly Wicker Girl and Smoking Girlfriend), plus rare early singles.

Now that the dispute between Hayman and Too Pure is all done and dusted, we can expect a wave of reissues. We doubt any will top this. Forget about lo-fi or hi-fi, these songs would sound great recorded in a state of the art studio, or through a single microphone.

Belka | HEFCD 04 (2-CD)

Reviewed by Jono Scott
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