Eisenhower: Rock, the way it was intended

Brandon Warren - Lead Guitar/Lead Vocals

Chris Phillips - Keyboards/Vocals

Josh Creed - Bass/Vocals

Scott Tofte - Drums/Vocals

In an era of bland, lethargic, and emotionless music, Western New York’s Eisenhower had its humble beginnings. Spring of 2004 saw aspiring young singer/songwriter Brandon Warren begin collaboration with dejected composition major and pianist Chris Phillips. Wading hip-deep through the murky waters of the emo and indie effluence that flooded the music scene of Fredonia State, Warren and Phillips sought to revive the original spirit of the Rock and Roll ethos. A schema that late Clash front man, Joe Strummer characterized as “fun to be alive.”

Fun became the central theme of the band that later would name itself “Eisenhower.” Guitarist Josh Creed, a mutual acquaintance of Warren and Phillips, began to accompany the duo in practice sessions on a borrowed bass guitar. Crafting vibrant and colorful compositions out of Warren’s original songs, the three began to acquire more members to join in their practice sessions. Once this cadre of musicians had pieced together a substantial enough stage act, they began to introduce their upbeat and carefree genre of music to an eager and accepting public.

Eisenhower wooed and wowed audiences from Rochester to Fredonia. They played fundraisers, parties, local bars and campus functions. Despite the departure of several less dedicated members, Ike forged ahead while exuding the original spirit that generously lent itself to band’s creation. In early 2006, an idealistic solo musician, Scott Tofte began to sit in with Eisenhower on drums. A modern day renaissance man, Tofte provided a welcome new dimension to Ike with his jazzy and poignant style of percussion.
Eventually, Tofte’s interest in the project grew as he began allowing Eisenhower to tackle some of his own musical works.

The collective compositional intensity of Warren and Tofte as a songwriting team matched with the rhythmic exultation of Creed and the improvisational tactics of Phillips strengthened Eisenhower and resulted in a seriousness and professionalism that the band had yet to witness. Currently, Eisenhower is working on completing their flagship LP entitled, "The Water Street Picture Show", due out in early 2007. In a mere three years, the band has developed a muscular set-list, a loyal following, a spontaneous and exciting stage-show, and a camaraderie between members as palpable as the talent that they showcase.