Cartoon was an American RIO influenced band formed in Phoenix, Arizona in the late 70s. .Scott Brazieal (keyboards) and Mark Innocenti (guitar) started writing complex music together and eventually connected with Gary Parra (drums) to form the band's first incarnation. The trio recorded their self-titled debut album in 1979 and 1980, though it was not released until 1982. Brazieal moved to San Francisco in 1980, where he met Herbert Diamant (woodwinds). Meanwhile, back in Phoenix, Parra and Innocenti met Craig Fry (violin, French horn). By the end of 1981, they had all convened in San Francisco and started playing shows as a quintet. Their second album came out in 1983, and the band played higher profile shows and festivals. After having their equipment stolen in France, the band split up. Brazieal, Parra, and Diamant went on to form PFS; Innocenti and Fry have worked with a number of other artists since.