AMG Review of Diablito

Alex Henderson
All Music Guide

Caifanes have played a significant role in the rock en español movement of the late '80s and '90s. In contrast to the many Latin artists drawing on American pop, artists participating in this movement have been inspired by more hard-edged, guitar-minded rock & roll. Latino rockers have proven to be as diverse a bunch as their English-speaking counterparts, and can be as goofy as Primus or as hard-driving as Aerosmith. With its haunting melodies and insightful use of restraint, this band inspires comparisons to U2. In fact, the impact of Bono's thoughtfulness is hard to miss on such offerings as "De Noche Todos los Gatos Son Pardos," "Antes De Que No Olviden" and "Los Dioses Ocultos." There's a certain yearning that immediately makes one think of U2. But make no mistake: Caifanes aren't simply U2 imitators with Spanish lyrics. El Diablito (Spanish for "the little Devil") proves that this is a band with a vital and interesting personality of its own.