Swell

Swell is an indie rock band formed in San Francisco, California in 1989 by singer-guitarist David Freel and drummer Sean Kirkpatrick. Blending lo-fi acoustics, atmospheric textures and understated vocals, Swell created a unique sound, melancholic and propulsive.

David Freel, singer, primary songwriter, co-founder, of Swell passed away April 12, 2022. David was a true original. The songs he developed and the lyrics he wrote are like no one else’s. His unique approach to life informed everything he did and affected everything he touched.In April 2023, the four original members united for a European Tribute Tour for David and the formative years of the band. They will be doing a short West Coast Tour in December 2023 playing favorite songs from the first 4 albums.

Swell’s current line-up is original members Sean Kirkpatrick (drums) and John Dettman-Lytle (vocals/guitar) who are joined by Tim Adams (bass) and Philippe Gunst (guitar/keys, Fragment). Together, they revisit the Swell catalog with renewed energy while staying true to the spirit of the original recordings.