PJ Harvey debuts new single ‘Community of Hope’ from The Hope Six Demolition Project

The guitar-driven chugger is from her new album

PJ Harvey (Getty Images)

PJ Harvey has debuted a new song called 'Community of Hope' from her first album in five years.

With its chugging guitar riffs and ear-snagging chorus, it's a surprisingly direct offering from the often esoteric singer-songwriter.

The track had its world premiere on BBC Radio 6 Music and can be heard here, shortly after the 50-minute mark.

Harvey's new album The Hope Six Demolition Project, due on 15 April, was inspired by trips she took to Kosovo, Afghanistan and Washington, D.C. over a four-year period.

With its reference to the city's South Capitol Street and closing refrain of "They're going to build a Walmart here", 'Community of Hope' seems particularly influenced by Harvey's time in Washington D.C.

The album was recorded last year during Harvey's residence at Somerset House in London. Members of the public were able to watch her working on the album behind one-way glass in a special purpose-built recording studio.

With her last album, 2011's Let England Shake, Harvey became the first artist to win the Mercury Prize for a second time. She previously won the prestigious annual award for her 2011 LP Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea.