Simple Math is the third album by the Indie-Rock band Manchester Orchestra, Andy Hull (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, piano), Robert McDowell (lead guitar, keyboards, vocals), Chris Freeman (keyboards, additional percussion, backing vocals), Jonathan Corley (bass), and Tim Very (drums, percussion). The brilliant string arrangements, along with the introspective lyrics make this an album well worth checking out. The opening track “Deer” starts with an acoustic guitar strumming in A Major, while a synth plays ambient noise in the background. It starts out very reminiscent of a simple folk song with lyrics that are mournful, but this sound lays down the emotional framework for the album. The next song “Mighty” is heavier and will appeal to the fans that got into Manchester Orchestra for songs like “Shake It Out” from their previous album. It has overdriven guitars playing in Drop D, while Hull’s voice is gruffer and more aggressive than in the previous track. Also interesting to note about “Mighty” is the incorporation of stringed instruments, like the violin and viola, which mesh beautifully and are kept at the perfect levels so that they do not overpower the song, something that tends to happen when traditional style orchestras are incorporated into a rock song.