In a sleepy American Midwest town, songwriting siblings Glenn and John Hicks bonded by blood and a common passion for music, enlisted neighbors Greg Phillips and Al Jarvis in their quest to do justice to the weird and wonderful sounds swimming around in their heads.

Bizarre monikers marked the journey from punk, via surf, to rock ‘n’ roll, and eventually, El Niño were born (christened in a flash of inspiration while the band were rehearsing with the sound down on the Weather Channel).

El Niño achieve that rare musical alchemy: stunningly executed vocal harmonies, savage guitars and shimmering melodies, all wrapped up in a memorable live experience. The band were discovered by chance and signed to the UK’s Ignition Records after a single gig.

El Niño’s debut single and UK appearances immediately caused a frisson of excitement throughout the press, being instantly hailed by Music Week, Melody Maker and the Evening Standard as ones to watch. 1999 saw the release of El Niño’s debut album in the UK on Ignition Records. “Galaxy Class” included several tracks re-mixed by Nigel Godrich (of Radiohead repute).

In the autumn of 2000 El Niño headed to Chicago and hooked up with producer Keith Cleversley (Flaming Lips, Mercury Rev) at Playground Studios. The resulting tracks proceeded easterly to the UK where they were mixed by Mark Freegard (Ash, The Breeders, Madder Rose).

The outcome is a impressive collection of power pop rock n’ roll, melding the melodic sensibilities of Big Star and the attack of Sonic Youth.

Glen Hicks – vocals, bass
John Hicks – guitar, vocals
Al Jarvis – drums
Greg Phillips – guitar