Formed in 1991 in Northern Virginia, the band has achieved considerable local success, winning four Wammies (Washington, D.C. area music awards) and a nationwide following, all outside the purview of major record labels.

Childhood friends Robbie Schaefer and Michael Clem both attended Virginia's James Madison University, where they founded the Jellyfish Blues Band.

One evening, when Clem and Wells added their voices to Schaefer's during a set in a solo gig, the idea for EFO was formed.

Their early repertoire of covers (by such artists as The Byrds and Blues Traveler) was soon augmented by originals from songwriters Schaefer and Clem, and over time the band developed a distinctive folk sound, marrying two acoustic guitars with hand percussion and strong four-part harmonies.

They launched their own Virginia Soul record label, began producing cassettes and CDs, and handled their own business and bookings.

Later that year, EFO played their farewell gig at Bad Habits and began regularly touring beyond the Washington, DC, metro area.