Customer Reviews

Welcome to Winners

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

excellent cd of intimate, mellow music that draws some comparisons to bands like Coldplay, Travis, and Idaho; but a band like Doves would probably be a closer reference point. Lowgold soars light acoustic-based songs that are keen on the wistful melody and full of introspective moodiness. the music on Welcome To Winners is probably a little too mellow to garner extensive radio airplay, therefore depriving them of wild success stateside, but for those who like the solemn tone of bands like Red House Painters with the maturity of groups like Doves, Lowgold is a real treasure.

I was made aware of this band by random act of Internet radio and have been hooked ever since. I needed only to hear about two tracks to convince me to buy it and I did not regret this decision. This cd has been on loop in my iPod for a month. I began to do a little research and was devastated to find out the band had never played live in the US.

I can't equate the band with anything mainstream, and that's kind of the point. It gives me a lot of the same impression as bands like Creeper Lagoon and maybe a little hint of The Decemberists, but that's as far as I'll go in trying to compare them. What this is pleasing indie rock with intelligent score. It ranges to simple to moderate in musical intricacy, and I highly recommend this record to anyone who's exhausted of hearing mainstream emo big label bands that are trying too hard. The world is filled with those guys. Just listen to "Let Me Into Yours" and remember what it's like to get back to the roots of music to move you.

These guys are the real deal. They are the best indie music you've never heard of. Do yourself a favor and give Welcome To Winners a shot.

It is often the case with small or new bands, those early in their career, that their offerings can sound empty or raw. It can certainly be said, for example, of Definitely Maybe or Parachutes. Compared to their follow-ups, these sound slightly empty. That's not to lessen their quality. The entire Lowgold premise seems to be built on two foundations. One of these is (as the t-shirts on their web site say) to keep music miserable. Something which people inevitably seek to criticise for, but which can be more uplifting and exciting than the most optimistic of crowd anthems. The other premise I mentioned is that their sound should be full. I'm not musically clever enough to know why their sound is full, but it is. They also have an incredible ability to break songs up, cutting out the 'full' sound at the right moments to make it quiet and drive home some superb melodic guitar music. Highlights for me are Quiet Times and Save Yourself, both written by guitarist Dan Symons, but if any hits are to come from this album (and I hope they do) they are more likely to be the more radio-friendly We Don't Have Much Time, The Same Way or Just A Ride.

Having seen them live in the UK, I was given the chance to speak to them afterwards and thank them for such wonderful music. I have never hoped more that a band will break through and be widely heard than I do for Lowgold.

Now that I hear this album I agree with some comments that they were kind of resting in a comfort zone. I really enjoyed the first album but they could have added to the diversity of it. On this album I feel they were a lot more confident in their abilities and they grace us with a few upbeat and harder hitting tracks. "The Same Way" is the first track that really displays the band's new found energy. Their wistful, slowcore style hasn't diminished one bit. The opening track really grabs you with the beginning line, "It's the quiet times that get you, if you let them creep in." Often you hear a bit more obvious production elements giving them a slighty fuller sound. "Keep Your Gun" dry is almost totally consistent of synthetic sounds. The lyrics and song structure are still as deep and meaningful as the first album. However, I don't think this album displays the anthemic strength of tracks like "Beauty Dies Young", "Never Alone", or "In Amber".

I'd definitely recommend this album if you enjoyed the first one. If you're unfamiliar with Lowgold then I would recommend this album as a first purchase. The variety and slighty higher energy level should keep the attention of serious listeners. Don't expect a lot of instant gratification here. Their whole style is one that takes time to be digested.

This is a solid effort from a band who falls in the genre of Haven (actually very similar to them); jangly, atmospheric, wistful sound that is very listenable and doesn't offend.

First listen was pleasant enough but didn't really grab me, so I did what I usually do with these type of CDs, and turned it down a bit and played it as background music to see if anything would grow on me. I found myself getting more familiar with the tunes and appreciating them well enough, but this isn't something I would call my friends and insist they buy.

So if you like Coldplay, Haven, Leaves, Athlete, etc., you will probably appreciate this CD.

I had high expecatations from Lowgold after their great debut CD and if anything TWT is better. There are a number of downbeat tracks which remind me of Red House Painters in parts. Nice late night music. On this album though, Lowgold find their upbeat groove more often and there are some brilliant 3 minute power pop/rock tracks. Best tracks perosnally are Quiet Times, We Don't Have Much Time, The Same Way amd Means to an End, but that's being picky. Famous Last Words is pure bliss. Not really a weak song on this CD. Cannot understand why these guys aren't bigger. Better than Coldplay IMHO, Apple or no Aple.