Pan Sonic

'Kesto (234:48:4)' is a brand new quartet of compact discs from Pan Sonic (Mika Vainio and Ilpo Vaisanen) available only as one complete set and highly limited. The original discussions of ideas for the new recordings were based around Mika's favourite painter Francis Bacon and his use of the triptych (a format Bacon used a number of times in his lifetime). Always pushing the boundaries, Pan Sonic were inspired to go on to record a fourth part. Those familiar with Pan Sonic's work may detect a correlation between their use of sound and Bacon's use of paint; the Kesto recordings represent a substantial new depth and vitality in the quality of their sound palette that brings a newfound lifeforce and delicate violence into their music. Pan Sonic have remained true to their original and pioneering use of their special handmade analog tone generators, more old radio set than synthesisers, with the occasional use of digital samplers for the more rhythmic sounds. They still record live to DAT tape in real time with no overdubbing. This year Vanio and Vaisanen have already provided a sound installation for the Berlin Biennale and performed at the Phillip Glass 'Alter Ego' festival in Milan. Amazing package.