Jonathan Coulton comes to mind. I like simple things. His lyrics are intelligent, tend toward the uncomplicated, and his music typically features simple power trios. I also love Yuki Kajiura's songwriting. She writes for Kalafina, who primarily perform for anime series'. I looked up the lyrics for the Aldnoah Zero theme out of curiosity. The English translation left me breathless. Most of her songs are equally evocative.
Plus, he licenses all his music Creative Commons. Yay Freedom of Information. Hello from Sputnik 2
I am receiving you
Thanks for the dog food
I'm somewhere above you now
Guess what Malashenkov?
I took the collar off
I'm holding my own leash
And walking myself outside
This door
I don't think
I want to be a good dog anymore.
For Hubski Anime Clubbers, she wrote the theme for Madoka Magica, too. The dream you have
Is like a prayer in ink on parchment
The thing that your small hands cling onto
Does not yet exist
Even so I wish to protect
That road you will travel down
And to keep what's beautiful as beautiful
…
If there's anything you desire
I will stand by your side
And reach out towards the same horizon
Will I ever be able to reach
That silent sky that you believed in
That brilliance that went on forever
That heavenly blue
(full translation)
I love Jonathan Coultan! His music is so fun.