Progmatics

The Progmatics may be the funkiest band in Finland. While their foundation is urban Finnish folk music, their improvisational approach adds a modern sensibility to their sound. While RootsWorld claimed they "seem to be in the bidding for the first spy-surf band to come out of Finland," The Beat announced that their "performances are as tight as the teeth of a comb that the skin-headed three-quarters of this combo never need." Formed during informal jam sessions in 1993, the Progmatics initially came together as a trio featuring violinist Perttu Paappnen, accordion player Markku Lepisto, and keyboards and harmonica player Jouko Kyhala. A few months later, bouzouki and saxophone player Janne Lappalainen, of Finnish folk ensemble Varttina, was added. Released in October 1996, the Pragmatic's debut album, Vaarallinen Lehmankello (Lethal Cowbell), marked them as one of Finland's top bands. Shortly after the album's release, the Pragmtics were named "band of the year" by Finnish music magazine Ussi Kansanmusiikki. In late 1998, the Progmtics were expanded with the addition of ex-Giant Robots drummer and percussionist Zarkus Bousse. ~ Craig Harris