Current Swell
Current Swell, a band based in Victoria BC, is in the foreground of the “new roots” music front coming out of Canada’s west coast. The band has been around for a few years, getting their early internatioinal recognition as a mainstay in the “surf rock” community. Their sound continues to develop into a blues and roots feel, gaining even more popularity with fans while sharing stages with bands such as Xavier Rudd, The Beautiful Girls, Bedouin Soundclash, the Beach Boys and many others. As the band progressed through 3 albums and multiple national tours they gained worldwide attention. The bands newest album, “Protect Your Own”, produced by Todd Simko (Xavier Rudd, Be Good Tanyas) is a slight departure from the direction of some of their other albums but has been their best seller to date. Being a new addition to Canada’s Fontana North distribution and Japan’s Surf Rock Records is a testament to the bands growing momentum. Solid songwriting and musicianship are always backed by a solid groove that is distinctly “Current Swell”. Playing bigger venues and festivals has taken the band to a new level in the past year. Not only larger audiences, but a larger “Swell”, with fans sometimes being treated to a 6 piece band. “Kiltlifter” Dave, on trombone has been making the rounds on stage, as well as “Ghosty” the new bass player. Scott Stanton and Dave Lang on guitars while Chris Petersen has the beat locked down on drums.
The coming year is looking good for Current Swell, with plans to tour extensively both in Canada and the USA following a recent tour of Hawaii in early 2011. Even more exciting than that is the new album the band is recording, set for a fall 2011 release.
