Though not the first to hit the scene (give the credit to Resistencia), the band soon became the most popular with a heady blend of classic covers and tight originals. Skapulario also released the first compact disc by a Puerto Rican ska band, 1994's Vida en Espiral, which contained the radio hits "Duerme a Tu Hermanito" and "La Fiesta Ska." Lead vocalist Ferdi left the band in 1996 to form a big-band/ska project, but keyboard player and head songwriter David provided a more than capable replacement. The band's 1998 self-titled album was their first released in continental America. ~ John Bush