Alternative hard rockers ELEPHANT TAKEDOWN have been around for a short while, with a debut EP titled "Forked Tongues and False Hopes" out now. They are also hard at work planning out all new content which could lead to their first album. The band discusses this and more below.
1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
Elephant Takedown started off as a jam session in January 2019 between Phil (Lead Guitar) and Alex (Bass), and after that first session we decided we really wanted to do something a bit more, so Alex put out an advert for a drummer online. Simon answered the call pretty early and the interview was basically “What music do you like? Can you come tomorrow?” We started off by playing covers of Black Stone Cherry and Shinedown, but really wanted to write some original music. From then on we had a number of vocalists and other guitarists come and go with the three of us as the permanent core members, until Christmas 2019, when we lost the only steady vocalist we’d had to family life. We were going to put off an advert until after Christmas, but did it anyway. Ben showed up to practice the next week and had already learned some of our material, and we all just had a really good time. When we then met back up in 2020 we started pumping out music faster than we had all year, there was really good band chemistry, and we booked to record our EP. Then COVID happened and we were forced to delay it a year but eventually with the help of Headline Studios and Headline Records, we were able to release Forked Tongues and False Hopes on July 16th 2021!
2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?
Phil and Alex were out at a run for charity in summer 2019, and while we were there we started ruminating over new band names. Phil had mentioned that his old band was something like Mustard Tiger, and that he always liked the sound of Elephant Takedown, but an Elephant doing the taking down, rather than being taken down. When our vocalist at the time left, we decided that was the opportunity to change the name. From there we started making jokes about an elephant-headed mascot called Gordon, and he’s now the character that can be seen on the EP today.
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
We’re based in Cambridge, UK. The music scene is really coming alive again, especially since lockdown ended. We played the Portland Arms recently which is a great venue, and we’re dying to play The Junction. There are loads of really solid bands that are actively gigging locally too; Call To The Faithful, Dead Reynolds, Standing Like Statues, and Dear Monday to name a few.
4. How would you describe your style?
That’s a difficult one. We’re probably defined as hard rock or alt rock, but there’s influences from metal, punk, blues rock, and progressive in there too.
5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?
We’ve currently got a 4-track EP out called Forked Tongues and False Hopes. It captures a little bit of everything we like to play, from punky distorted riffs, to rock ballads. Our lead single “The Boatman” is probably the best representation of us. We love energy in our music, if we can’t dance, sway, headbang, or sing along, it won’t make the cut. The EP captures everything that for us is fun in music.
6. Do you have any new music in the works?
Always. We’re currently planning for our first studio album, and all the stuff that comes with that. We’re most of the way there, but are still in the writing phase at the moment. It’s surreal because for us this is some serious bucket list territory, and we’re just excited that there are people out there who want to hear it.
7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?
We’re talking to some people, trying to make some stuff happen. We’re hopeful we’ll be able to announce some shows very soon.
8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?
First and foremost is recording our first studio album, but releasing a single with our first proper music video is up there as something we’re really excited to do. It’s something that not everyone gets to take part in, and as a group of people who regard themselves as quite uncool, it’s such a cool thing to do!
9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
Everywhere. Our music’s on Spotify, YouTube, Amazon, iTunes, Deezer. About the only place you can’t get it is in your local shop.
10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
Turn it up loud and have a good time. If the floor isn’t vibrating like there’s a herd of elephants in the room, it’s not loud enough.
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