Caifanes

Caifanes is a Spanish-language rock (Rock en Español) band from Mexico City formed in 1987. They achieved fame throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. The original lineup consisted of Saúl Hernández (vocals & guitar), Alejandro Marcovich (lead guitar) Sabo Romo (bass guitar), Alfonso André (drums) and Diego Herrera (keyboards and saxophone). Caifanes’ style can be described as a hybrid of British new wave, progressive rock, and Latin percussion underscored by deep, somber, and Latin American-Mexican-Spanish influenced lyrics and the vocal style of Saúl Hernández. Members of Caifanes have cited King Crimson as a major influence.

The name Caifanes is derived from 1940s Mexican Pachuco (zoot suiter) slang "Cai fan". Its equivalent in English would be something like “cool dude.” The word has also been used to describe the proverbial Mexican Pachuco, delinquent, or outsider.

History

Early years

The seeds of what was to later become Caifanes were planted in 1984 with Las Insolitas Imágenes de Aurora (The Unusual Images of Aurora), a band that included Saúl Hernández, Alfonso André and Alejandro Marcovich. According to Marcovich, Insólitas started out as a side project for the purpose of performing as a party band for the filming of his brother’s film project, (Marcovich’s brother went on to direct various videos for Caifanes). At the time, both Hernández and Marcovich were playing in different bands. The members enjoyed the experience of playing in Insolitas and decided to continue. As the seriousness of the project grew the band began to play in different spots in Mexico City like Rockotitlán, High Tower, and El Jabalí. In May 1986, Insolitas recorded a live demo performed at Rockotitlán. Insólitas developed a strong cult following in Mexico City.

Caifanes (album)

Caifanes is the self-titled debut studio album by Mexican rock band Caifanes. It was released in 1988 after the success of their first singles, "Matenme porque me muero" and "La bestia humana". The original release of the album did not contain the songs "La negra Tomasa" and "Perdí mi ojo de venado", which were released in 1989 as singles and later incorporated into the album when it was re-released on Compact disc in 1993. It is undergoing a re-pressing process as of March 2011.

The LP is also referred to as Volumen 1 or Mátenme porque me muero.

CD Track listing

All songs written and composed by Saul Hernandez, except where noted. 

Personnel

Caifanes

Additional Musicians

Notes