Wide, wild lives _{by Madelaine Empson}

simple ∞ animal is fronted by singer-songwriter John McDougall along with powerhouse singer Annie Ruddock, guitarist Steve Jessup, keyboardist John Niland, drummer Tim Robinson, and bassman Murray Costello.

The band name comes from one of their songs about a couple who don’t need much beyond being with each other – such simple animals they are.

“We added the infinity symbol because creative possibilities are endless, and also we hope that good music lasts forever”, John says.

The next John – pianoman extraordinaire – adds, “We were also trying to apply ‘infinitely complex’ to the concept of a simple animal, drawing on animism and referencing eyes or a mask between the two words.”

“Or maybe it’s because we’ve been around for so long it seems like infinity”, originally quoted John pipes up.

Most of the group have been playing together – on and off in various bands – since they were in high school, while frontJohn’s songs have been recorded by The Hulamen and the Holidaymakers, who had a number one hit in Sweet Lovers.

 “These have been songs of heartache, protest, love, and some really silly songs. Songs that reflect the wide, wild, and weird lives we live”, John says.

Bassman Murray loves the variety of John’s tracks, saying “they can be soulful or funky and fun, and are always creative. And playing with the other super experienced and artistic musicians is always a blast!”

simple ∞ animal will have audiences dancing along to new ditties like Things Are Looking Up, Hate Is The Question – Love Is The Answer, and I Love Whisky (And Whisky Loves Me) as part of the run-up to recording their next album later in the month. Get grooving at Vogelmorn Upstairs on the 13^th of September.