Saffron
Return of Simple
Self-Released

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. It's an acquired taste, but if you love it, you know it. Derived from the violet-blossomed crocus, the flavor from saffron threads is as surprising as the autumnal depth, warmth and color they possess. They start out wily, a deep burgundy, but with a little butter and some heat, they yield to a bright, redemptive yellow with nothing less than a luxurious flavor. Could there be a better way to describe the piano-based alt-pop sound of local trio Return of Simple and their most recent effort Saffron? This reviewer certainly thinks not.

With a sound culling the sap from the taproots of Ben Folds Five, Jack's Mannequin and Aqualung, RoS goes for a 20-something anthemic sound -- compartmentalized in a classic jazz trio set-up. Though their modern flavor never overreaches into Coldplay pretension, Return of Simple's 9-track release is poised, sincere and reflective. Singer/pianist Rob Kovacs keeps the tempo upbeat like Folds, but he is far willing to go wry and tongue-in-cheek the whole way through. Think of RoS this way: If someone slipped Aqualung (Matt Hales) some Zoloft, the results might sound something like this.

The characteristic sound of Return of Simple really begins and ends with Kovacs. His voice and songwriter's perspective strikes a balance on the CD opener "Saffron," and thrills through the pop strains of "Hover," the plinky and ethereal "Let It Stay Lost," "Opportunity" and the introspective "Flying Blindly." The group shows they would do well on both adult contemporary and modern rock charts; drummer Joe Scale and bassist Tim Fisher (since replaced by Gary Thobaben) mark comfortable, soulful and sophisticated territory.

Kovac's time at the Baldwin-Wallace College Conservatory of Music didn't just lead to strong piano runs and melodic intuition; it where he and his colleagues came together to create this sound. Where they go from here is anyone's guess... but with a sound as luxurious as the expensive spice Saffron is named after, one can only hope they'll be around a while.

Return of Simple performs at Wilbert's Food & Music with special guest Miles this Thursday, July 19 at 8PM. Wilbert's is located at 812 Huron Ave. Call 902-4663 for details or visit http://www.wilbertsmusic.com for more. Visit Return of Simple online at http://www.returnofsimple.com.

From Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com
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