“Protect Your Own” is album number two for Victoria, British Columbia’s Current Swell. If you haven’t heard of them before now, I hadn’t either. And that’s a shame. The album is a rocking, rootsy collection of original songs that are growing on me with every listen. Their bio calls them “surf rock,” but it’s far more versatile than that. In fact, other than the laid-back, kick-it-in-the-sun attitude, there’s not much surf here. (Unless you think Dave Matthews and all his sound-alike community are surf rock. Then, I get the comparison.) I hear a lot of reggae, traces of classic rock (musically, I get some shades of old Rod Stewart), and even hints of folk.

The band can do funny and cynical–“Booze in Hell” is about a guy who wants to die so that he can drink at Satan’s bar. It doesn’t work out for him, of course. They can do ballad-y, inspirational tunes–“Way It Goes” recalls the classic “People Get Ready.” They can do fun, bouncy rock–like the lead track, which you can sample below. They really can just about everything a rock band should.

The album is great from start to finish. Hence, I’m offering the lead and final tracks for you–to prove my point.

Definitely worth your time–check it out.

Nail ’em Up

Wishing Well