Album Review: Ya Lo Hemos Visto Todo by Los Kebras – A Punky Rock & Roll Time Capsule from 1999
Alright, let’s get one thing straight: Ya Lo Hemos Visto Todo (translation: “We’ve Already Seen It All”) might sound like the title of a grumpy old man's memoir, but this album by Los Kebras is anything but boring. Released in 1999 under Zaunka Diskak and produced by Jorge Reboredo, it’s a scrappy blend of punk grit and rock ‘n’ roll swagger that feels like sneaking out to a dingy club where everyone smells like leather jackets and stale beer. And honestly? I’m here for it.
The record kicks off with six tracks that feel like they were written during a caffeine-fueled all-nighter. There’s no overthinking here—just raw energy and enough hooks to keep you humming along. Let’s dive into two standout tracks because, frankly, life’s too short to talk about all six.
First up, “Soy Un Ye-Yé.” Oh man, this song hits hard if you’ve ever felt like an outsider trying to fake confidence at a party. The lyrics are kinda cheeky, poking fun at identity and self-image without taking itself too seriously. Musically, it’s got that punchy guitar riff that makes your foot tap involuntarily, and the vocals have just the right mix of snarl and sarcasm. You can almost picture the band rocking out in some cramped basement while someone spills their drink on the amp. It’s messy, loud, and completely unforgettable—kinda like those wild nights you don’t fully remember but know you had fun anyway.
Then there’s “Mari Carmen.” This track is pure chaos wrapped in charm. With its driving beat and shout-along chorus, it feels tailor-made for drunken singalongs or rebellious road trips. What sticks with me most isn’t even the music—it’s how unapologetically oddball the whole vibe is. Who names a punk anthem after someone’s abuela? Los Kebras, apparently. And somehow, it works. Maybe it’s the way the guitars wail like they’re auditioning for a Tarantino soundtrack, or maybe it’s just the absurdity of shouting “Mari Carmen!” at the top of your lungs. Either way, it’s impossible not to love.
Now, let’s zoom out for a sec. Listening to Ya Lo Hemos Visto Todo, you realize something: these guys weren’t trying to reinvent the wheel. They weren’t angling for fame or fortune—they just wanted to make music that felt real. Sure, the production has that lo-fi edge that screams late '90s DIY ethos, but that only adds to its charm. It’s the kind of album you stumble across in a dusty record store bin and immediately adopt as your new favorite discovery.
So yeah, Los Kebras may claim we’ve already seen it all, but listening to this gem reminds me that sometimes, seeing it again through fresh eyes is exactly what we need. Or maybe I’m just rambling now. Anyway, go give this album a spin—you won’t regret it. Unless you hate fun. In which case…why are you even reading this?
Final thought: If punk rock had a baby with classic rock ‘n’ roll, it would probably look a lot like Los Kebras—and possibly cry less during diaper changes.
