Nick Hernandez started Common Sense in Santa Barbara while studying music at UCSB. His soulful vocal style and natural stage presence gained the group an immediate loyal following. He then moved back to South Laguna where he joined up with Billy Sherman whose upbeat guitar and melodic sensibility gained Common Sense more attention.

Larry Young grew up in Houston, Texas playing bass in rock and reggae bands. He moved to California where his funky bass style fit the band perfectly. Drummer Drew Hester added his rock steady beats completing the band sound. This new lineup went on to record Common Sense’s first album, “Live at the Belly Up”. Common Sense went on to make four more records and has been playing live shows around the country non-stop. Their sound has been constantly evolving and their message becoming more powerful.

Phil Gough, a long time friend, recently joined the band. His masterful guitar playing has brought Common Sense to a new level.

“Don’t Look Back” is the latest release from Common Sense with anticipated release date in the Summer 04. This CD showcases how far the band has come in finding it’s own unique style by blending their love of reggae, rock, and funk to create a sound that is uniquely their own. The combination of powerful lyrics and magnetic groove draws the listener in and keeps them captive.

This CD moves from heavier reggae grooves on songs like, “Sure Enough” and “I’m Gone” to exploding with alternative rock tracks like “Twisted Mind” and “A Little Bit Closer”. If you love the pop vibe, then you won’t be disappointed on tunes like “Good This Time” and “Baby Girl”. “Don’t Look Back” is collage of musical talents, taste and influences resulting in a CD that everyone can groove too.

The album was produced with a specific goal in mind. The band wanted the CD to reflect the melding of reggae and rock, and avoid creating an album that is so overproduced, so polished that it no longer resembles the roots of where reggae came from.