Cibo Matto, a band known for its eclectic blend of genres, was formed in New York City in 1994 by two Japanese expatriates, Yuka Honda and Miho Hatori. Initially gaining attention for their unique fusion of hip-hop, trip-hop, jazz, and Brazilian music, along with a penchant for whimsical lyrics frequently inspired by food, Cibo Matto carved out a distinctive niche in the alternative music scene of the 90s. The band's name translates to "Crazy Food" in Italian, a playful tribute to the lyrical content that peppered their songs.

Their debut album "Viva! La Woman," released in 1996, was a critical success, displaying their innovative approach to songwriting and production with hits like "Birthday Cake" and "Know Your Chicken." Following up with the "Super Relax" EP, the band continued to experiment and evolve, leading to the more polished and musically diverse sounds found in their 1999 sophomore album "Stereotype A." After a 15-year hiatus, during which Honda and Hatori worked on various solo projects and collaborations, Cibo Matto made a triumphant return with "Hotel Valentine" in 2014, their first new album in over a decade. Combining their signature quirky style with a conceptual narrative, the album re-established their presence in the music world. Even as the band announced their break-up in 2017, the legacy of Cibo Matto endures, with a number of reissues and remastered versions of their work, such as the 2022 remaster of "Stereotype C," reminding listeners of their unique contribution to alternative music and the impelling charm of their cross-cultural artistry.

Genres

Shibuya-kei

Trip Hop

Related Artists

Stereolab

St. Vincent

Beck

Björk

Deee-Lite

Ladytron

Gorillaz

Cornelius

Beastie Boys

M.I.A.

Massive Attack

Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Latest Release

Stereotype C - with Ciba Matto - 2022 Remastered

Cibo Matto

Single - Released February 24, 2023