18 months on from the release of their critically acclaimed debut album 'WHB', We Have Band returns with their new single 'Visionary'. This will be the first release from their second album, eagerly anticipated in many quarters, which is due for release in early 2012.

Recorded on tour, at the band's own studio in Hereford and the Flesh and Bone Studios in London, the album was produced by ex-Clor member and Foals producer Luke Smith and We Have Band themselves. Mixing was carried out by Ben Hillier (Doves, Horrors, Blur, Elbow).

Ahead of its official release on November 7, 'Visionary' is now available as a free download from the band's official website, or on Facebook.

I should start by saying I came to this single with no pre-conceived notions - I haven't heard any of We Have Band's previous material, so I'm letting this single speak for itself. I have a "play it to me and I'll tell you if I like it" philosophy, regardless of my thoughts on a band's previous material.

I must also say that I have great respect for a band that lets people download a sample track ahead of purchasing, as this band has done. It gives their audience a taste of what it can expect before parting with its hard-earned cash and putting it into their pockets.

Despite the positive reviews that it has received ahead of its official release, I have to say I found this track uninspiring. The intro of horns, described as unique by others, sounded to me like the brass section of a student orchestra warming up. Despite the bass in the background, which is vaguely catchy, overall the track has a monotone quality with almost no variation throughout.

Therefore it is perfectly agreeable as background music which one is vaguely aware of while doing the washing up, or to fill the silence while waiting in a café, but for me it definitely would not make me sit up and start demanding a copy of the album.

Even while writing this review as it plays in the background, it almost disappears, and despite listening to it several times I have no idea what the singer is singing about. I tried to find the lyrics online, so that I could at least ponder on the thoughts within the music, but to no avail. Hence I have no choice but to concentrate on the sound of the track itself, which to my mind is best described as a chant with a simple beat.

Talking about the track, Dede Wegg-Prosser (vocals, percussion, sampler) said, "Visionary has at its centre the story of a dislocated, disorientated Los Angelean. Someone struggling to come to terms with himself and the world he finds himself in. Someone who wants to change and doesn't know how to achieve that change. Someone who pleases but doesn't really want to please. Someone wanting to leave his stamp on the world but without really knowing how to."

It's my hunch that existing fans of the band will find more to like with this track; however, it hasn't created a new fan in this reviewer.

Christine Brookes