El Guapo
(1996 - 2006)Peter Cafarella - accordion, keyboard, electronics, computer, vocals
Rafael Cohen - guitar, oboe, keyboard, electronics, vocals
Justin Moyer - drums, bass, electronics, vocals
Compilations
El Guapo was born as a two-piece in Washington, DC in 1996. From 1996-2004, through various instrument/lineup changes and with unrelenting determination, the band blurred the lines between art-punk and the avant-garde. In the late 90s, the band released two records on Resin Records and a CD of "comprovisational" works on their own label, Mud Memory, in 2000. In March 2001, El Guapo, then a 3 piece, recorded their first album for Dischord Records, "super/system," at National Recording Studio in DC with Phil Manley (Trans Am). The 42 minute final edit is a testament to the band's multi-instrumental versatility and innovative approach to music making. "Fake French," El Guapo's second Dischord release, was self-recorded in numerous sessions over a six month period and was released in March 2003. In early 2004 the band expanded to a four piece with the addition of drummer Josh Blair (who also plays in Orthrelm). The newly expanded El Guapo were renamed Supersystem, recorded two records for Touch & Go, and broke up in December 2006.
Photo: El Guapo by Pat Graham