PJ Harvey's new single described as an "inane composition" by US politician

The song discusses D.C.'s Ward 7 neighbourhood. As the DCist notes, "The Community Of Hope" names the area's Benning Road "the well-known pathway of death" and refers to Ward 7 as a whole as "just drug town, just zombies."

D.C.'s former Mayor Vince Gray, who is running for his old council seat in the area's upcoming local elections, says that he "will not dignify this inane composition with a response."

His campaign treasurer Chuck Thies added: "PJ Harvey is to music what Piers Morgan is to cable news."

A nonprofit organisation in the city, also named Community of Hope, reportedly has issues with the Harvey's track. In an open letter, they write:

"By calling out this picture of poverty in terms of streets and buildings and not the humans who live here, have you not reduced their dignity? Have you not trashed the place that, for better or worse, is home to people who are working to make it better, who take pride in their accomplishments."

The track follows "The Wheel" in previewing upcoming LP The Hope Six Demolition Project, which is released 15 April via Island. It was recorded last year at Somerset House as part of an installation titled Recording In Progress.

Harvey has a packed summer ahead, including stops at UK festivals Glastonbury and Field Day.

Listen to the track below.