
Chucho emerged in the mid-90s following the breakup of Surfin’ Bichos, when Fernando Alfaro decided to bring an end to that iconic band. Shortly after, driven by what Alfaro often describes as a physiological need to make music, he formed Chucho alongside Juan Carlos Rodríguez (formerly of República Gorila) and Javier Fernández Milla. The new band was named Chucho, a term meaning “stray dog” or the name for Jesus in Mexico.
Their discographic debut came in 1995 with a self-titled EP, dark and punk, released under their own label, Limbo Starr.
However, their first full-length album would not appear until two years later, in 1997. Released under the Virgin label, ’78’ was an album of extreme and emotional pop – its recording coinciding with the death of Fernando’s father. The album solidified Alfaro as a unique and exceptional songwriter.
’78’ was followed by Tejido de felicidad in 1999, a luminous yet lethal album – both dark and brilliant at the same time. This record brought Chucho their greatest popularity and included key tracks like “Magic,” showcasing the gentler face of tragic reality. The album was highly praised by critics, highlighting Alfaro’s versatility as a writer and the band’s fearless approach to exploring varied styles. It remains their most celebrated work and a high point in Spanish pop music.
In 2001, they released Los Diarios de Petróleo, an album marking the band’s full artistic maturity and a critical milestone. Presented episodically, it consisted of a main segment (the album itself) and three EPs compiled in a box set. This was the band’s most ambitious work, achieving broad experimental heights with rich arrangements and textures. It also served as a vital recap of Alfaro’s own life, becoming another landmark in their career.
In 2004, they released Koniec, their final album before disbanding after a farewell concert in 2005. Koniec is now considered one of their most significant works, though it went almost unnoticed at the time, overshadowed by the band’s internal implosion. Years later, in 2013, Chucho reunited for an extensive tour, and they have remained active ever since.
In 2016, after 15 years without a new album, Chucho returned with Los Años Luz. Recorded in El Puerto de Santa María with Paco Loco, Alfaro explained in an interview with Notodo.com:
“For this album, we wanted new adventures, so we discarded songs from an earlier era that had been released in demos and that we initially thought about reviving. We decided to include more recent songs to give it that feeling of something completely fresh. This reflects what the album’s title conveys – the years that have passed since then, like a vast distance traveled in an instant, much like starlight.”
As of 2020, the band continues to send signals, gradually releasing songs – along with their corresponding music videos – from their upcoming album, Corazón roto y brillante. Recorded in Barcelona with contributions from Leeds and Guadalajara, and produced with radiant precision by Sergio Pérez, the album explores themes of heartbreak, resentment, hope, and love.
The signals began with the title track, a luminous power-punk defibrillator for aching hearts. Next came “La carretera de la costa,” a quintessentially Chucho song of impeccable pop, featuring backing vocals by Natalia Alfaro, Fernando’s daughter. Then followed “Hoamm,” a psychobilly jolt telling the story of Pere and María, the broken couple whose tale runs through the entire album. And soon, more signals to come…