Ø
Metri

Less known, but equally interesting are the productions of Mika Vainio (already a member of Pan Sonic) under various pseudonyms, having released a series of works as a solo artist under the symbol "Ø" that tackles themes similar to those of Pan Sonic but with a more ambient touch.

Among the most interesting albums of these releases, "Metri" earns the title of "start" of that idea which will later be explored in all its possible variations by both Pan Sonic themselves, as well as by Mika Vainio and Ilpo Vaisanen in their solo productions, or during collaborations with other artists. "Metri," in fact, is a somewhat different album compared to the subsequent "Olento" and the typical "Pan Sonic-like" standard that everyone knows.

Despite the often abstract and disturbing setup of his music being evident from his earliest productions, these compositions are certainly more accessible compared to the typical subsequent standard. There are actual melodies instead of partitions of microfrequencies and electronic soundscapes, dominant in other productions. In each track, there is an unmistakable dance setup, mainly due to the "veiled" bass rhythm, but always present.

The collection is divided into two parts, characterized by different styles:

- From number 1 to 9, the less conceptual part and closer to dance. Soundscapes imbued with subtle melodies, "pseudo-dance" rhythms always present in the rhythmic inserts. A method that refines more and more from track to track until it culminates in number 9, "Lasi," which is one of his most listenable works. An ideal track to play in dance halls at a moment of great pathos.

- The second part of the album is more conceptual and spans from number 10 to 15. It gets closer to that type of electronica that has always characterized the productions both as a solo artist of Vainio and in the Pan Sonic project.

Here, electronic micropartitions dominate, which, unlike other albums, are not atonal but contain an intrinsic tendency to melody, at the base sound level. These sound "shards" so dear to Pan Sonic appear here more as melodic shards/micromelodies. What is more frightening are the impressive soundscapes on very low frequencies (my Bose stereo at medium-high volume struggled to handle them) which gained power and consistency from track to track and within the same track.
Of this unexpected second part, the composition that perhaps stands out the most is "Radio."

In conclusion, it is undoubtedly a beautiful album, although less captivating compared to the subsequent ones. However, for those who appreciate the work of these two Finns, it represents a fairly important album because in these grooves you can hear "the origins" of that typical sound that would make the two Pan Sonic relatively famous.

Tracklist: 1-Sisaan, 2-Hornitus, 3-Kuvio, 4-Jl-csg 1, 5-Muuntaja (collaboration with Ilpo Vaisanen), 6-Hion, 7-Twin Bleeps, 8-Erit-samat, 9-Lasi, 10-Jl-csg, 11-Radio, 12-Asuntola, 13-Kentta, 14-Halli, 15-Dayak.