With a vocal presence sort of like a “grown up” John Mayer, or an energetic Jack Johnson, and driving guitar lines backed by drums and bass that actually provide a pulse to the music, Simplified (Hippizaz) take the complex equation of good music and simplify it to the common denominators to provide the most impact. That can’t exactly be an easy task with roots in a rock-jam-band setting. Out of the dark that can be the maze of songwriting, these cats have a knack for the light on “Brighter Days.”

Styling is not a problem for the group – easily moving from straight ahead pop rock to reggae and zydeco influenced sing-alongs or any other direction you may imagine. Keeping arrangements basic seems to be the secret for the group. Memorable hooks and lines are backed by just the right counter-point to really make them stick.

Up-beat songs with thoughtful lyrics keep the body moving and the spirits high as “Brighter Days” spins on my virtual turntable (damn I’d like to have this on vinyl). The songs are well written. The music is fun and fits the subject. The musicianship and great.

MOE… that’s the band that keeps coming to mind… I think it’s the cool, clean guitar tones and the lovely delays (you know how I like my delays). Did I mention how lovely they are? While using some great sounds to accentuate the guitars and keys, they never go overboard and distract from the musicality – props, guys!

” Clee Laster and Chris Sheridan started out as an acoustic duo,” that explains it. They’ve done a great job of not getting distracted by bells and whistles… keeping things simple… there’s a lot to be said for that.

Hailing from Charlotte, NC, they’ve been hitting it hard since 2003:

With a never-ending tour schedule, including over 3,000 powerhouse, popular performances, Simplified members, with both electric and acoustic acts, are enthusiastic as ever. From Key West, FL to New York City and throughout the Midwest, their hard work, perseverance and commitment have always been key to their hard earned success. Sequentially, in 2011, their song “Shall We Begin” was featured on ESPN’s ‘Kick off to College GameDay.’ Currently their hit “Gettin Home,” is featured in the video game, NASCAR The Game 2013 and they have been praised as one of Pandora Radio’s top played indie rock bands.

While the guys have put out a string of great stuff, this latest “Brighter Days” is truly a shining spot on the resume. I could go on and on, but as I cruised their website for info, I wound up reading a lot of it, and I can’t say anything that is not covered well by their writers, and other press on the site. So, I’ll break with my wordy tradition, today, and send you over there, if you don’t mind. Start with the bio on the Band Page and enjoy your visit.

I see and read a bunch of band websites which tend to be full of acolades. I gotta say, of all I read on this one, I agree. These guys rokk!! 

For more, check out Walter’s interview with @Simplified_Band on Indie Music Bus.