Como Asesinar a Felipes

 

CAF have distinguished themselves in their native country Chile since 1997 as as a band without compromise, releasing 8 unconventional, but brilliantly arranged albums. Forming in Santiago in 2006, they began and continue as a five-piece ensemble that draws from an eclectic range of hip hop, rock, classical and jazz, interpreted through a signature that is uniquely their own: saturated, technicolor hues of sound painted on a dark psychedelic canvas, against a backdrop of post-Pinochet Chile.

It all began with the self-titled “Como Asesinar a Felipes”(2008) that set the trajectory of their evolution onto an unwavering axis. Thus followed “Un Disparo al Centro”(2009), performed together with the National Juvenile Symphonic Orchestra of Chile; “Colores y Cadáveres” (2010),home of several standards in the CAF repertoire; then a dark detour into the obscure and dynamic “Comenzará de Nuevo” (2012). Next came the deep synth wall of sound fed by in “V” (2014). In 2017 sax virtuoso Cristian Gallardo joined the band and, with the collaboration of abstract sound artist Jared Blum, the band released “Elipse”,(recorded, along with “V” at  Estudios Koolarrow in Oakland, California). It was during this time that the band first enjoyed national recognition, taking home Indigo Awards for “Band of the Year’ and “Best Album”.

And then in came 2019 and “Naturaleza Muerta”, which elevated them even further in the Chilean scene, as an inspirational and ground-breaking act. Notably, it featured the track “Disparan (Fill the Skies)”, a collaboration with Deftones’ Chino Moreno of a type that had rarely existed in the country before. And, as a validation to this album’s significance, the album dominated Chile’s prestigious Pulsar Awards of 2020 by winning both “Album of the Year” and “Best Urban Act”. Considering that their competition was against the country’s most commercial performers, it was nothing short of a David vs. Goliath victory. But it was also an irrefutable sign that their music was resonating with people in a way that transcended what had been, up until now, business as usual.

 It was on the heels of this achievment, and in the midst of serious national unrest, that set the stage for “MMXX”(PotocoDiscos/Koolarrow Records/PIAS), a new step in a career for which challenge and change is the band’s religion– their classic sounds now constructed from an almost entirely electronic foundation. In the context of previous albums this a complete deconstruction, and yet it is also a rebuilding —  i the same group and the same team, including historic collaborators like Marcos Meza (original keyboardist of the band),  Faith No More’s Billy Gould (responsible for the mixing process), Chalo G (sound engineer) and Krtur (graphic designer), while drummer Felipe Metraca steps up to take charge of the production duties. In truth, this is a classic incarnation of CAF, though perhaps seen through a new lens.

A notable, and powerful, testimony to the diversity and originality of “MMXX” comes with the additional guest remixes, by an indisputable who’s who list of metal, experimental, Latin, and dub pioneers: Mad Professor, Scientist, Toy Selectah (Booms y Claps), Talking Book, Iggor Cavalera’s Mixhell and Shane Embury from Napalm Death. Groundbreaking by world standards, unheard of by Latin American ones. CAF reinterpreted. This is an album that will stand the test of time.

Como Asesinar a Felipes is a band that has run it’s affairs by following its’ musical heart. After thirteen years of exceptional releases (and diverse touring in places like Haiti, Serbia, Spain, Romania, Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia Mexico and the USA), they have secured a place from themselves in Chile’s musical history while consistently choosing a path of inspiration.

 

Como Asesinar a Felipes is:

Koala Contreras: voice

Cristian Gallardo: sax, flute.

Felipe Metraca: drums.

SebaBala: bass

DJ Sp@cio: samples, scratches.