Cutey Honey

Cutey Honey formed in Tokyo in 2017, an electro-pop trio made up of Mami, Mai, and Riko. They took their name from the anime series, though their music was its own thing, a mix of pop, rock, and electronics that felt immediate rather than nostalgic. Their debut single that year, 'Cutey Honey Flash,' caught on quickly, giving them a foothold without much industry fuss.

Mami handled vocals with a direct, unadorned delivery that suited lyrics about self-discovery and modern relationships. Mai on drums and Riko on guitar kept the arrangements tight and kinetic, avoiding the overproduced sheen of a lot of contemporary pop. The songs that followed, like 'Return Of The Legend' and 'Nakechauhodo Setsunaikedo,' stuck to that lean, melodic approach.

Their straightforward lyrics about female empowerment sometimes drew criticism, but it also connected with listeners who appreciated the lack of metaphor. They didn't build a huge catalog, a few singles and EPs over those first years, but what they released felt coherent, a series of snapshots rather than a grand statement. The music held its ground without needing to announce its own importance.