Biography
Emerging from Glasgow as a five-piece outfit, El Pres!dente drew inevitable comparisons to the Scissor Sisters through their theatrical lead singer and shared affection for 1970s disco and glam rock. The project originated with Dante Gizzi, previously of Gun, who coined the band’s name during a French tour stop. Once Gun disbanded, Gizzi began composing new material and, assisted by his brother Jools, captured early tracks on a compact sampler that subsequently received airplay on Radio Clyde. Following a pair of solo appearances at King Tut’s, he set about assembling a full lineup, yet a management agreement with One Records prompted several departures, leaving only drummer Dawn Zhu in place. Gizzi next enlisted keyboardist Laura Marks, bassist Thomas McNeice, and guitarist Johnny McGlynn; after securing a contract with BMG Records, the group issued its debut single, “Rocket,” pressed on limited-edition 10-inch red vinyl in 2005.
A subsequent nationwide tour preceded the proper single “100 MPH,” whose Rubik’s Cube-themed video helped propel the track into the Top 40. The band then opened for Kasabian across the United Kingdom and for Oasis at their sole Scottish concert, though a waterlogged stage ultimately prevented their planned Glastonbury performance. Later releases “Without You,” which climbed to number 30, and a reissued “Rocket,” peaking at number 48, fell short of broader commercial breakthrough, while the self-titled debut album reached only number 57. An expanded U.K. headline run, support dates with Jamiroquai, and a contribution to the John Peel tribute album Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've)? followed, yet closing single “Turn This Thing Around” again managed no higher than the Top 40. After a main-stage appearance at T in the Park in 2006, the group began recording its sophomore effort alongside Texas bassist Johnny McElhone.
A subsequent nationwide tour preceded the proper single “100 MPH,” whose Rubik’s Cube-themed video helped propel the track into the Top 40. The band then opened for Kasabian across the United Kingdom and for Oasis at their sole Scottish concert, though a waterlogged stage ultimately prevented their planned Glastonbury performance. Later releases “Without You,” which climbed to number 30, and a reissued “Rocket,” peaking at number 48, fell short of broader commercial breakthrough, while the self-titled debut album reached only number 57. An expanded U.K. headline run, support dates with Jamiroquai, and a contribution to the John Peel tribute album Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've)? followed, yet closing single “Turn This Thing Around” again managed no higher than the Top 40. After a main-stage appearance at T in the Park in 2006, the group began recording its sophomore effort alongside Texas bassist Johnny McElhone.
Singles
