Shinra Etsuko

Shinra Etsuko formed in Tokyo in 2000, with vocalist Etsuko Hinata and guitarist Taichi Ikeda. Their early music mixed Japanese folk with rock, which set them apart from the heavier or poppier sounds around at the time. They didn't catch on quickly, but kept at it.

In 2005, they put out their debut album, 'Genyou no Chou', which included the single of the same name. That song, with its haunting melody and lyrics that some read as touching on forbidden love, sparked a bit of debate. Traditional listeners weren't always comfortable with it, while others found it emotionally resonant. It became their breakthrough track.

After that, their sound shifted, taking in classical, electronic, and experimental touches on albums like 'Utsurohi' and 'Hoshizora'.