Formed by producer Juan Carlos Cáceres, the five-member band first released material in 1997, an album entitled "Cariñito". Their material was heavily influenced by local rhythms such as murga and candombe, but recognized internationally and referred to more frequently as cumbia. Their first efforts were usually covers of other artists' tracks. Lyrically, the content was restricted to uplifting themes, often making full use of a flirtatious attitude towards women, and the feelings associated with love and lust. Much use was made of local Uruguayan lunfardo. One band member commented that when they travelled internationally, "on the radio and at press conferences we have to explain the lunfardo", which was not fully understood outside their native Uruguay.