Phillip McEachern and Rob Bernard have written songs together on and off since 1987. McEachern began releasing solo records in 1995, and in 1996 he and Bernard formed The Diaz Brothers, with Jimmy Smith and Keith Langford from The Gourds. The band played McEacherns songs in informal, often acoustic, live sets. During the same period, Bernard also started the band Prescott Curlywolf, and Tim Kinard and drummer Chris Deaner from that group eventually joined the Diaz Brothers to replace Smith and Langford. In the latemore

Phillip McEachern and Rob Bernard have written songs together on and off since 1987. McEachern began releasing solo records in 1995, and in 1996 he and Bernard formed The Diaz Brothers, with Jimmy Smith and Keith Langford from The Gourds. The band played McEacherns songs in informal, often acoustic, live sets. During the same period, Bernard also started the band Prescott Curlywolf, and Tim Kinard and drummer Chris Deaner from that group eventually joined the Diaz Brothers to replace Smith and Langford. In the late 90s, Bernard left Diaz to join and tour with The Damnations full time, and was replaced by his brother, The Gourds Claude Bernard, on guitar. By 1999, McEacherns songwriting and the bands arrangements were moving things in a more progressive rock/hard pop direction. The foursome decided to start fresh under the name FantazmaGordo and add Jon Connally on bass. Rob Bernard rejoined the band that year, replacing Claude Bernard who was touring heavily with The Gourds. When Deaner relocated to New York City, he was replaced by Conrad Choucroun from The Damnations. In spring 2001 the band became Mandible and began to build a strong local following. A new rhythm section also came on board, featuring Dylan Jones on bass and Karl Lundin on drums. The current lineup has been together since 2004, With Conrad Choucroun and Karl Lundin sharing the drumming duties.