When Dave Schools of Widespread Panic and Jerry Joseph of the Jackmormons decided to collaborate back in 2003, Stockholm Syndrome was concieved as a cool, temporary side project to fill downtime from each of their bands.

So they contacted some of their friends, namely Eric McFadden, a guitarist who’s worked with Keb’ Mo’ and Les Claypool, Danny Louis, a keyboardist known for his work with Gov’t Mule and Cheap Trick, and Wally Ingram, a drummer who’s worked with Jackson Browne, Sheryl Crow, and Tracy Chapman, and released “Holy Happy Hour” in 2004.

The album did well, and what started out as a diversion has become a band. Now Stockholm Syndrome has released their second effort, “Apollo,” which is sure to cement the relationship. A solid album produced by Schools, engineered by longtime Widespread Panic producer and associate John Keane, and recorded in a converted chicken coop in Cotati, Calif., “Apollo” is a bold and powerful statement.

Featuring additional performances by Keane on pedal steel and guitar, Gene Cornelius on cello, and the Compass Point Horns, the album takes the sound established on “Holy Happy Hour” and grows it exponentially. The songs are thoughtfully written and produced, with great results.

Radio will love “Town and Country,” a hook-laden tune that, regardless of its pop appeal, rocks hard and will satisfy and delight even the most hardcore Panic/Jackmormons fan.

The lyrics on “Apollo” are meaningful and well-written, but the thing that is really great about this album is that it simply ROCKS. From the first to the last note, one will have difficulty keeping from tapping a foot, or nodding a head, or dancing in one’s chair.

There is no pretention, there is no bull, there is rock. And there are just not enough albums like this released these days.