The Walkmen are five guys from New York, but you'd never guess it from their rich and rhythmic - almost mariachi-style - sound.

The Coup draws from the rich funk and hip-hop tradition of their native Oakland to craft a catchy and soulful sound transcends the merely political.

Two Gallants have a soft-spoken manner that belies the power of their warm, romantic Western sound: equal parts American traditional and the modern, world-weary sensibility of a new generation.

They have the paperwork to prove they're real brothers. They were raised together in Colorado, but developed their musical chops in different cities.

It's been seven years since Mason Jennings first gained notice as the standing Thursday night act at the 400 Bar. Now the beloved troubador has moved from D.I.Y. to indie label to a major.

San Francisco-based Film School has a flair for majestic swirls of layered guitar and keyboards, which they juxtapose with driving, and sometimes jagged, melodies.

The Concretes hail from Stockholm, Sweden. They are playing with borrowed instruments after being the victims of theft outside the Bowery Ballroom in New York. Where they found a loaner glockenspiel is a mystery. Lead singer Victoria Bergman was joined on our studios by the flute-playing pianist and glockenspieler Ludwig Rylander and guitarist Daniel Varjo.

Gomez took off in the late 90s and everything must have seemed easy. A big label signed them, they won awards and sold records. But their last few CDs for that big label got lost in the shuffle. Luckily, the band stuck together, found a new label and carried on. They are known for energetic live shows, an ever-changing sound and, at least here at The Current, for fine footwear.

The Vacation, a four-piece from Los Angeles, stopped in at The Current studios to play songs and to chat with Mark Wheat.

The affable English singer/songwriter David Ford just released his debut album, "I Sincerely Apologise for All the Trouble I've Caused," and has been touring with Gomez and Aqualung.