Came across a band -- Pan sonic -- from the 80s / 90s last night that I'd never heard of, whose sound is dark, electronic, and really hot. Industrial music isn't really my thing at the moment, but I always appreciate good music when I hear it.

The most famous act to originate from Sahko Recordings, Panasonic (now called Pan Sonic), first came into being in the summer of 1993 through the meeting of two creative minds, Mika Vainio and Ilpo Vaisanen.

So far there has been three Pan Sonic albums from Blast First, Vakio in September 1995, Kulma in January 1997 and A in February 1999; with also one EP, Osasto out in July 1996. Furthermore, they broadcast a live session with John Peel for BBC in autumn 1995.

Pan Sonic cite as their influences, first of all, Alan Vega's and Martin Rev's legendary proto-techno duo Suicide. (with which they were gigging in March 1998; not to mention the recorded collaboration with Alan Vega), industrial pioneers Throbbing Gristle and Einsturzende Neubauten, the French "musique concrete" composer Pierre Henry and the eccentric cult rockabilly musician Hasil Adkins - Mika Vainio has sometimes jokingly called Pan Sonic's music "horsemeat rockabilly".

Check them out on MySpace for more information and to listen to a few tracks. Don't forget this fansite and the MySpace of their label Blast First Petite, who also have The Horrors, my new favorite band HTRK, Suicide, The Slits, Klaxons, and The Liars on their label. Make sure to check out BFP's MySpace to hear a live version of Springsteen singing Suicide's 1980 song Dream Baby Dream. Who knew The Boss had it in him.