Caifanes

by Jason AnkenyA leading light of the Latin American alternative rock community, Caifanes were formed in Mexico City in 1986 by vocalist Saul Hernández, guitarist Alejandro Marcovich, and drummer Alfonso Andre. The group issued their eponymously titled debut LP in 1988, earning some U.S. airplay with the single "La Negra Tomasa." The follow-up, 1990's El Diablito, expanded on Caifanes' sound by further incorporating the influence of traditional Caribbean styles into their dark, synth-driven brand of pop/rock, while producer Adrian Belew steered the group into more experimental territory on 1992's El Silencio. El Nervio del Volcán, their fourth album, appeared two years later.