GRASSHOPPER TAKEOVER: Elephant Dreams

Grasshopper Takeover

Elephant Dreams

© 2003 Grasshopper Takeover (687474090920)

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high-energy, alive, bare-bones, 3-piece, heavy on melody and harmony, not angry, inspiring, post-modern, well-produced and great sounding rock 'n roll.

notes

"It came to me in a vision," says the aptly green-haired lead singer/guitarist Curtis Grubb of Grasshopper Takeover when asked how the name of the electrifying pop-rock trio came to be. After a near-fatal accident while hunting pheasant on the expansive plains of his home state of Nebraska, Grubb says, "I just lay there with this insane ringing in my ears, afraid to open my eyes, thinking I would just see whiteness. When I finally opened my eyes, the entire sky was filled with a swarming, amorphous blackness, and then I lost consciousness. The only thing I remember thinking was that grasshoppers had taken over."

Add Bob Boyce shredding the skins, and the smooth mastery of his instrument by bassist James McMann, and the Nebraska-native three-piece rock trio has definitely taken over the underground unsigned music scene across the country and show no signs of letting up.

In 1996, Grubb and Boyce could be found playing any number of clubs and bars scattered throughout the Midwest as part of The Kind, the granola darlings of the hippie-funk gamut from Chicago to Denver. When the band called it quits a year later fans felt rejected and let their disappointment be known. Grubb and Boyce stuck together and laid low for some months writing and rocking until they were introduced to McMann, arguably the best amateur bassist in the nation and "a cross between Flea and James Dean" who completed the trio.

A bit jaded, in hermitage and under pressure from fans, the three worked together until the end of 1996, and then after much anticipation, played their first live show together as Grasshopper Takeover in January of 1997. What had resulted from their time off was an ejaculation of raucous-filled, yet poignant lyrics under heavy guitar, even heavier drums, and the jammin' versatility of McMann's bass. Any thoughts that the band would assume their old positions as experimental pychadelicians were immediately liquidated - this was rock... pure, melodic, loud, in-your-face-but-not-tearing-the-skin-off-it rock.

The self-titled 1997 CD came only 7 months later. The larval stage completed, the Takeover had begun. A year later, the band released Gaia, toned down their hard-rock inclinations, tapped into their formative '70s and '80s pop-music years, found a lighter side in their lyrics, and tightened it all up.

The outcome was a huge success, and the matured, more well-rounded Grasshopper was ready to fly. In August of 1998, having conquered the Midwest to its maximum threshold, twice, the boys packed up their infamous tour-van --"Ol Redd", "Big Redd", "The Sin Bin," or "That big 'ol red piece of shit over there", as it was affectionately called -- and headed to L.A., wary but faithful in the gas-guzzling behemoth. (The van was later to take a full plunge into the waters of Echo Park lake, survive, and still start after a two-day dry-out!)

Upon relocation, the band rapidly climbed into notoriety and respect in the L.A. music scene, and quickly gained a formidable SoCal following. Their 1999 release, Echo Park, a play-it-loud-or-don't-play-it-at-all-motherfucker 6-song CD, set the stage for the band's 2000 release, International Dance Marathon which would prove itself to be GTO's most note-worthy and acclaimed project to date. IDM fused all that is genius of the terrible trio: perfect pop rhythms with extreme rock danceability, no-holds barred punked-out guitaring and drumming from Grubb and Boyce, McMann's smooth-like-butter bass, and catchy and intelligent lyrics and melodies. Tracks like "Esta Vida" and "Hit Song" received copious college and commercial radio play, the buzz was all over internet music sites and rock underground, and the Takeover was on the horizon.

After a two year, coast to coast national tour in support of IDM, GTO, more motivated than ever, returned not back to LA, but to their roots in Omaha where they purchased a home studio and set out to write an album that would define all that GTO was, is, and will be. As one song after another made its way from the bowels of the super-consciousness the band's sound began to define itself in a way it never had before. "This has been the most incredible creative process I've ever been a part of. To have our own studio and record the album we've always wanted to is better than I could have imagined. We're coming out of this more confident in ourselves and our material than we've ever been," said Grubb. Songs like "Make Love, Not War" offer listeners a balls-to-the-wall, 210 bpm guitar rock trip reminiscent of the band's punked out past. Others like the B3 driven "Omaha", tug at the hearts of fans with a maturity in songwriting not before heard in previous GTO releases. And, finally, there is the unquestionable smash single and fan favorite, "No Pressure", with bigger hooks than are in Babe Winkleman's tackle box.

With the new material more guitar-driven and tracked up than ever before, it begged the three piece a big and formidable question: "How in the fuck are we going to pull this shit off live?!?" Never a fan of bands who sound great on CD but suck live, GTO knew another guitarist would be essential if the band was to give its fans the entire GTO listening experience. It was while the band was touring the East Coast, with the need for a new member never a distant thought, that they came across street performer and modern day gypsy, Michael Cioffero, outside of a club in Brooklyn, New York. After listening to Cioffero play classic jazz numbers such as Coltrane's "Giant Steps" and classical guitar pieces such Bach's "E Major Lute Suite," the band was hooked on the raw and untouched talents of this amazing player. A conversation ensued, money was tossed into Cioffero's open guitar case but, ultimately, the band and Cioffero headed their separate ways. At the end of the evening after the Brooklyn gig, drummer, Boyce, left the club to buy a pack of cigarettes at a nearby convenient store. As he made his way, he was jumped by two men hiding in an alley and tackled to the ground in an attempted mugging. From down the street, Cioffero saw the commotion and ran to Boyce's aid. Knowing both were in imminent danger, Cioffero, without thinking twice about it, lifted his guitar high into the air and smashed it down over the head of one of the attackers. Startled, and surely amazed, the attackers ran off but Cioffero's guitar lay in splintered pieces on the street. Boyce gave his thanks to Cioffero, offered to buy him a new guitar, and the two of them returned to the club to tell Grubb and McMann the gruesome and glorious details. It was at that moment that clarity and fate merged at the hand of destiny and the members of GTO asked Cioffero if he wanted to join the band. With nothing but the street to call his home and only his talents to guide his way, Cioffero obliged, finished off the East Coast leg and made his new and permanent home in Omaha, NE as the newest member of Grasshopper Takeover.

With a new full-length CD due out in late November 2003, three limited edition EP releases (August, October, February), a write-up in Rolling Stone, publicity on VH-1, a national tour planned post release, a new player and new management, Grasshopper Takeover is poised for nothing short of greatness as the band rocks its way steadfastly into the future for its place in history.

reviews

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  • Sweet melodies with awesome vocals
    author: Dushy Doo

    These songs really touch the listener. Tumbleweed and No Pressure hit you in such an awesome way, you can't describe it. This cd is a must have.

  • shit yeah doggy
    author: Jace mutha f'n Cain

    I loved the vibe of these guys, happy, upgoing. They have some excellent vocals. I love it peace out

  • Kicks Ass from front to back
    author: Brandon

    Elephant Dreams hasn't left my CD player since i got it.GTO kicks ass! Keep'em comin fellas!

  • LOVE IT!!! LOVE THEM!!!
    author: Roben

    I think GTO just keeps getting better!Elephant Dreams is a must have!!

  • Outstanding
    author: Brian S Lincoln NE

    Elephant dreams ........ speachless love the CD 311 in Omaha for Omahas 150 b-day was awsome GTO defintaly kicked ass ........ GO BUY THIS CD

  • Curt Grubb
    author: None

    GTO was awesome. The concert in Omaha with 311 was the best. Not only was the concert great, but Curt Grubb was hott!

  • Amazing!
    author: WOW!

    This CD is wonderful! i bought it because of hearing them in their local town OMAHA! Not only do i love this CD but... i love Curt Grubb!

  • Love it
    author: International Dance Marathon and Beyond

    Although it took me 3 full listens through to really get the feel to it, this is by far one of my favorite CD;s recently, and i just bought 4 other CD;s and this is the inly one in my car...Catchy, well produced, Melodies/Harmonies, and changed in the middle of the same song, AWESOME, give it a shot, listen FULLY before you judge, P.S, I.D.M is great too

  • Amazing Record
    author: Alan Dobmeier

    Just stick it in, press play, and listen tot hat GTO goodness. The best so far out of all their albums. Any fan of rock n roll should own a copy of Elephant Dreams.

  • Greatest Album i have heard in a long time
    author: Seth Christensen

    This is the Greatest Album i have heard from any band in a long as time, Seen you play in omaha with 311 damn that was a great concert can't wait to see GTO agian i highly recomment this CD every single track on the album rocks ass!!!

  • Awesome, these guys still rock. Stuff you will be repeating in your head all da
    author: Mike in Omaha

    I watched GTO grow in Omaha.....sometimes religiously. It is awesome to see you guys still kicking ass. Haven't seen 'em live in some time, but after hearing this......it is inevitable. See you guys in the Big 'O'!!

  • IT ROCKS!!!
    author: JENNAY

    THIS CD FREAKING ROCKS MY SOCKS OFF!! I LOVE IT!! THE MUSIC IS GREAT AND ROCKS MY WORLD!!

  • Freakin' awesome!
    author: Nellie

    Some CDs you buy you buy for a couple of good songs. Not this one! All of the songs rock and I absolutely love them all!!

  • THIS ALBUM HAS IT ALL
    author: Cookie

    THIS ALBUM HAS IT ALL....ROCK, COUNTY, CLASSICAL, BALLAD, SENSATIONAL VOCALS, PRISTINE RECORDINGS..THESE 4 POSSESS MUSICAL GENIUS...WATCHOUT BEATLES! THE GRASSHOPPERS ARE ABOUT TO DETHRONE YOU!!

  • One good Show, even better CD
    author: Tim K

    This CD is one of the best...I heard GTO at a local bar, and liked their stuff, and decided to buy the CD...It should be better publicized. Because it is just as good as the stuff that Red Hot Chili Peppers have released recently. My fav songs are No Pressure, and Esta Vida. Bone chilling guitar riffs.

  • Amazing Experience
    author: erin

    This CD is awesome. I saw them once and decided to check out their CD and every song on this album is quality music. The way they put it all together as a musical story of them...is just really cool. Amazing vocals. Awesome music.

  • GTO YO!!
    author: Roy Hubble

    wow, this cd kiks arse.. I started listenin to the band a few years ago.. only 4 or so songs really and i loved those.. But every song on this cd is great! 7 and 9 are my personal fave's anyways.. If youve heard any songs from this Band and Liked it buy this cd, Cuz you will Love it..

  • OMG!
    author: Kristin

    CD was amazing! Can't wait to hear the songs played live! 8, 15 and 17 are among my many favorites!

  • An Inspirational Group
    author: Daniel

    The CD is wonderful. Music affects the mood I'm in and I've just been flyin high. :D Thanks guys, S.Y.W.A.F.

  • This CD is so incredibly AWESOME!!! I love it!
    author: Andrea

    I loved this CD. It is exactly the kind of music that I like to listen to. I would definetly recomend this CD to anyone.

  • To KnOw ThEm Is To LoVe ThEm!
    author: T

    Being a huge fan of GTO since "Echo Park" in 1999, I was stoked when they released "Elephant Dreams". The first time I listened to the cd all the way through was on my way home, after the cd release party. I'll admit I had tears in my eyes. Its such a powerful cd and listening to it helps you to know them, not just as THE BAND but as real people. These guys are truely amazing. Much love!

  • aural orgasm
    author: C¡anán

    I love this CD. Love it. The first song just reels you in, and you never let go. All the while, you follow the tragic story of the stolen van, and your love for GTO grows. Amazing.

  • Damn good
    author: Deedub

    This CD is a great leap for the band. Same good qualities of previous stuff. Great sing along chorus and harmonies. Excellent song writing, you can relate to the lyrics. Good Hard rockers and some great melodic mellow numbers. The guys right smart modern rock pop songs and this is another fine step for the band that deserves to be huge. Pick it up and you'll love it. See them live and you'll love it even more.

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