Caifanes

Some credit Caifanes with jump-starting Mexico's alternative rock scene. The group grew out of Mexico City's fertile musical landscape; singer Saul Hernandez had played with other groups, including Deimos, In Memorian and Frac before hooking up with Alejandro Marcovic and Alfonso Andre in Las Insolitas. That band gained cult status, and after it dissolved Caifanes was born from the ashes. Caifanes's fame was unprecedented for a Mexican rock band. Their take on new wave garnered them international attention, and they put out four great albums, winning numerous awards in the process. The band had a small hit in the States with "La Negra Tomasa" and finally dissolved in 1995 over artistic differences.