Unlike many acts, Golden Rough have never had to make a lot of noise, or engage in expensive promotional campaigns to make either the critics or lovers of great pop tunes stand up and take notice. Singer/songwriter David Orwell's ability to capture the essence of either an entire story or one fleeting emotion in a single line of finely observed lyrical narrative is a rare skill in itself, but when accompanied by an ingenious ear for melody and a bittersweet vocal delivery, the result is pop songwriting at its most sublime. Since the release of their debut album, Twin Firs, in 1998 Golden Rough's reputation for melodious, intelligent, Australian flavoured music has won the band critical acclaim, and admirers worldwide. In 1999 the band were signed by renowned independent label Candle Records, home of Jodi Phillis, Darren Hanlon and The Lucksmiths, and released their second album, This Sad Paradise. The record was received with warm reviews and won the band further accolades nationwide. Throughout 1999 Golden Rough continued to wow fans and critics alike with their impressive live performances, and won highly contested support slots with touring US pop luminaries Elliott Smith and Joe Pernice (Scud Mountain Boys, Pernice Brothers). Golden Rough also played to packed venues as Joe Pernice's backing band, reprising that role when he toured again the following year. 2000 was an eventful year for Golden Rough, the band were named Best Unsigned Act (that is, not signed to a major label) by the Australian Music Critics Conference and This Sad Paradise was picked up for distribution in the UK by Hot Records (home of Ed Keupper and Eva Cassidy) and Parasol Records in the US. As a result of enthusiastic US college radio support, the band embarked on a successful East-Coast tour of the United States later that same year. The trip included such notable highlights as a performance at New York City's CMJ Music Festival and being invited onstage by acclaimed singer/songwriter Ryan Adams for an impromptu jam at a performance in Nashville. Late 2001 saw Golden Rough head back into the studio with longtime producer/collaborator Jason Blackwell. The result is yet another collection of finely crafted, lushly arranged songs that will further serve to cement Golden Rough's reputation as one of this country's finest bands, and David Orwell as our most talented and astute songwriters to emerge in recent years. Golden Rough's new, as yet untitled, album is slated for release in early 2002 on Candle Records.