Current Swell coming in strong

I remember a long time ago a band from Victoria hit the stage at the Northern. The players looked like the brotherly pop trio ‘Hanson.’  I was setting up to hear a night of ‘Mmmm bop’ and bubble gum pop. The band was called Current Swell. What I heard instead was an explosion of young talented guitarists and vocal melody. Current Swell hit the stage with a rock sound that was dynamic and catchy. They were all talented players and commanded a solid performance of mostly originals and some fun covers that spanned into Led Zeppelin and The Pixies. Fernie has seen the likes of this talented band a few times in years gone by.

Current Swell have just released a new LP entitled: Long Time Ago this fall. The band that began from humble roots, as friends playing in backyards, at parties and beaches have been looking forward to taking their new songs on the road this fall. The band has stated that they tackled Long Time Ago with a renewed work ethic focusing intensely on the art of songwriting. They set their standards high, recording and re-recording the 10 original songs until they felt each track had been realized to its fullest.”

This is not a band looking to adapt to a radio format or searching for the catchiest hook, this is about respecting the process and giving the songs and music what they need. Current Swell are Scott Stanton, Dave Lang, Ghosty, Chris Petersen and Dave St. Jean. They have built a name for themselves through countless years of performing in vans, planes, packed clubs and all over the world, headlining concerts and making music for new and old fans.

Touring Canada, Australia and the USA, and playing shows with acts like Xavier Rudd, Bedouin Soundclash, K-OS, K'Naan, Ron Sexsmith and even the Beach Boys, opened them up to new and enthusiastic audiences. Appearances at Ottawa Bluesfest, the 2010 Olympics, Junofest, Rifflandia, Salmon Arm Roots and Blues, and headlining Canada Day for 40,000 people at the BC Legislature has continued their momentum. With three LP’s under their belt, So I Say (2005), Trust Us Now (2007) and 2009’s Protect Your Own. Current Swell has worked hard through relentless touring proving they are a band that isn’t looking for overnight success. While other bands might sport the label "indie", this is a band that has made their mark independently in the truest sense. With incredible word of mouth support and an amazing online fan base Current Swell will be on everyone’s radar for 2011.

Blip Blip Blip Beep. Current Swell will be touching down in Fernie on Tuesday, November 15 at the Northern Bar and Stage.