Complicate/Simple
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Complicate/Simple

Phoenix, AZ | Established. Jan 01, 2013 | SELF

Phoenix, AZ | SELF
Established on Jan, 2013
Band Alternative Rock

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"Five Songs From Phoenix Artists You Have to Hear"

Complicate Simple – "Rewind"
Last summer, Complicate Simple released one of my favorite EPs of the year with Blue. Just this past weekend, the band had a release party for two videos from the record, "Vignette" and "Rewind." The video actually begins with lead singer Michael Jon at the record release party this summer mentioning the video for this song would drop in October. Clearly, he makes goals and sticks to them. The video is a stunning portrayal of being lost within the depths of alcoholism, among other things, and this is the crux of the song as well. It's something of a slow burner that still manages to be heavier than hell. As with all of their songs, at least everything on Blue, it is Michael Jon's unusual vocals that make this single a fantastic ride. Not to take away from the magic of the thunderous drums throughout or that scorching guitar solo one bit, but it's his vocals that make this band stand out from the pack. If there is a theme to this song and all the songs on their debut, it is the battle to be a human being. Sometimes we all feel that we have to rewind and turn back the clock a bit. While time wait may wait for no one, it's a reminder that we may benefit from revisiting ourselves before all the loss, before the distractions of addiction, - Phoenix New Times


"TOP TRENDING 504 20 Phoenix local music picks for June 2016"

Complicate/Simple play an eclectic brand of alternative-rock, incorporating elements of punk, jazz, heavy metal, funk and prog while channeling the drama of early Pearl Jam on the anthemic “R3WIND.” They’re releasing an album called “Blue,” whose highlights range from the jagged guitars of “Complicated” to the effortless pop hooks and crunchy guitar groove of “Penny,” at a show where they also intend to record and livestream a new music video for the record. They’re also giving out free t-shirts, USB lanyards with media and music on them, CDs and more. The lineup includes among the Strange, Jane N' The Jungle, Scarlet13, DWARF and Chad Wilson Bailey. - AZ Central


"Complicate Simple – “Blue” EP"

Complicate Simple dropped their impressive hard-rock debut this summer with the Blue EP, which treads into mini-album territory. The record comes on like a juggernaut with “Broken Pieces” and you are immediately introduced to the wailing power of Maxwell Pittman’s guitar, the heavy bass work of James Ferguson, an avalanche of drums from Kyle Norwood and Michael Jon’s intensely fascinating voice. It’s a perfect combination, and the initial reaction is that this sound was recently exhumed from the vaults of the ’90s in a good, hard-rock-bending-on-grunge sort of way.

“Complicated” couldn’t do more of an about face, very nearly becoming new wave-styled pop with insanely crunchy guitars and showing off the idea that, yes, this band is complicated. This song recalls early-era Police in its energy and delivery. One of the early singles for the record was “Rewind,” and it’s a slow burner, built around a mantle of darkness with Jon’s vocals taking center stage. “Penny” is damn near power pop, coming off like Cheap Trick with heavier guitars. This is easily my favorite track on the record. Complicate Simple really shines on tracks like this and “Complicated,” which are both off the beaten path of their overall sound.

With “Glow” they take more of an atmospheric approach until it explodes in pure rock ’n’ roll glory and becomes one of the more surprising tracks. “Vignette,” another pre-release single, is the perfect finale for the record: Jon’s vocals are on point and it’s an aggressive rocker showing them at their best. The record really gives you a good idea of the breadth and depth of material they have to offer, and the word is that their sophomore effort, Green, is soon to follow. - Java Magazine


Discography

"Blue" EP - release date: 2016. Produced and mixed by Michael Bolenbach, Full Well Recording Studio

Photos

Bio

Complicate Simple is an eclectic rock, punk, jazz, funk, mainstream band that borrows influences from rock stars past and present, converging them in a syncopated timbre of modernized, smooth, affluent and tasteful tunes you want to know, sing, tap your feet, clap your hands and jam out to.

Band Members