Lowgold

Lowgold, a British ensemble, nearly disintegrated prior to issuing its first album. The act inked a deal with Nude Records in late 1998 only to remain idle while the imprint resolved its monetary troubles, leaving the musicians in prolonged uncertainty with scant means of support and their debut effort held in temporary suspension.

Darren Ford, who handled vocals and lead guitar, first encountered guitarist Dan Symons at a university bar, after which the pair formed the group following earlier failed attempts with other bands. Ford proceeded to lay down a solo demo and recruited Symons for guitar parts; the two then submitted a pair of tracks to Nude Records. Upon the label’s request for a live audition, bassist Miles Willey and drummer Scott Simon completed the lineup. The name Lowgold was adopted after rendering a Nordic term that translates as “of hidden worth,” and Nude Records offered a contract after just one rehearsal.

The debut album, Just Backward of Square, finally appeared in the U.K. in February 2000 and reached the United States a year later. Its dreamy guitars and slow, moody songs invited immediate comparisons to English peers such as Coldplay and Badly Drawn Boy as well as American artists like Grandaddy and Sebadoh. Momentum nevertheless collapsed when Nude abruptly folded before the year’s end, placing the band in serious debt. Drummer Scott Simon also departed during this period.

With assistance from family and friends and by holding day jobs, the members of Lowgold regained their footing. Iron Maiden enthusiast Rob Lee joined on drums, and a U.S. agreement with Sanctuary materialized in 2003. The long-awaited follow-up, Welcome to Winners, surfaced in spring 2004.