Low (English band)
| Company type | Musical duo |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Founder | Grant Boult, Brian Nash |
| Defunct | 1993 |
| Products | Music recordings |
| Parent | Swanyard Records (record label) |
Low was an English musical duo consisting of vocalist Grant Boult and Brian Nash, formerly the guitarist for Frankie Goes to Hollywood. Their active years spanned from 1989 until 1993. During this period, they recorded an album titled Enter the Bigger Reality under Swanyard Records, which ultimately was never released. In 1992, they issued a single called "Tearing My Soul Apart."
History
The partnership between Brian Nash and Grant Boult began in 1987 during the final tour of Frankie Goes to Hollywood, where Boult’s group, the Promise, performed as the supporting act. Following the breakup of Frankie Goes to Hollywood that same year, Nash and several other members went on to create the Shuffle Brothers, featuring Dave Harris as lead vocalist. Although they produced demo recordings, legal complications concerning the Frankie Goes to Hollywood name hindered their ability to secure a recording contract.
London Recordings expressed interest but declined Harris as the frontman, which led to Boult joining the lineup. The label proposed a deal contingent on using the Frankie Goes to Hollywood name; however, Holly Johnson blocked this, causing the negotiations to fail. Subsequently, Nash and Boult continued under the name Honey Ryder, developing demos in Nash’s home studio while Nash maintained employment as an electrician.
In 1991, they secured a contract with independent label Swanyard Records, enabling Nash to focus exclusively on music once again. They adopted the name Low to better represent their somber and relaxed musical style. Swanyard commissioned their album Enter the Bigger Reality, which was recorded at Swanyard Studios, Strongroom Studios, and Trident Studios. The production was handled by Low alongside Steve Lovell, with Stuart Bruce serving as engineer. The sessions featured contributions from musicians including Andy Coughlan (bass), Tony Kiley (drums), Simon Watson (guitar), Steve Broughton (piano), Guy Chambers (organ and string arrangements), Luís Jardim (percussion), and backing vocalists Mick Wilson, Larry Oliver, Miriam Stockley, and Stevie Lange. Mixing duties were primarily undertaken by Tom Lord-Alge, with additional mixing by Simon Vinestock.
Their first single, "Tearing My Soul Apart," was released on 24 August 1992 through Swanyard Discs Ltd with distribution handled by BMG UK across various formats. The songwriting credits include Boult, Gill, Harris, Nash, and O'Toole; the track originated from compositions by Nash and collaborators following the dissolution of Frankie Goes to Hollywood. The single reached number 118 on the UK Singles Chart.
The accompanying music video was filmed at Walton Castle in Clevedon—owned at the time by Rai and Margarita Hamilton, majority stakeholders in Swanyard—and directed by Peter Martin with a budget of £6,000. English actress Rachel Weisz appeared as an extra in the video. Nash described filming during nighttime hours as visually compelling.
Critics generally responded favorably to the single: Simon Mayo described it as a "stunner," Graeme Anderson highlighted its dance-oriented sound rooted in Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s influence, Penny Kiley observed its '70s-inspired rhythmic rock qualities, while the Evening Chronicle characterized it as a "slow, sinuously seductive ballad." Conversely, Push from Melody Maker dismissed it as "knock-kneed AOR slop."
Although Enter the Bigger Reality was slated for release in September 1992, financial troubles at Swanyard Records prevented its official launch; only a limited number of promotional cassette copies were distributed. After Swanyard entered receivership, ownership of masters and demos reverted back to Low.
Following this period, Nash and Boult established Dr Jolly's Salvation Circus initially as a quartet including Mick Anker on bass and Tony Kiley on drums. They recorded demos with engineer Adrian Bushby and later expanded their lineup before replacing Kiley with Paul Pridmore. Despite creating new material and additional recordings with engineers Bushby and Martin Russell, interest from record labels remained minimal. By 1995, the band had disbanded as Nash embarked on a solo career.
Albums
- Enter the Bigger Reality (1992; unreleased)
Singles
- "Tearing My Soul Apart" (released 1992)