Biography

Introduction

Disco Ensemble are a Finnish post-hardcore/indie punk band, originating from Pori. They've been noted for their energetic sound and rhythm, original guitar riffs and electronic synthesizer sounds.

History

Early years (1996-2002)

The band was formed in 1996 by drummer Mikko Hakila and guitarist Jussi Ylikoski, who started by playing Metallica and AC/DC covers. Originally they were named simply DisCo. but they were forced to change their name to Disco Ensemble due to a Finnish electronic pop group having the same title.

The band played small venues and quickly gained notoriety in the local music scene. In 2000, future singer Miikka Koivisto attended one of their shows as a fan and later joined the band, first as a guitarist and later switching to vocals. After the three band members moved to study in Helsinki, they went through a number of bass players until Lasse Lindfors joined the group as a permanent member.

The band released their first EP Memory Three Sec in 2000. This was a lo-fi recording and it did not receive much attention. More notoriety came with their second effort Ghosttown Effect, released in 2001. The band's first single "Turpentine", was released off this EP.

Viper Ethics (2003-2005)

In 2003, Fullsteam Records signed Disco Ensemble and their first full-length album, Viper Ethics was released the same year. The album received critical acclaim and the single "Videotapes" was moderately successful, peaking at #17 on Finnish charts. This allowed the band to tour in Finland and around Europe as well.

First Aid Kit (2006)

Disco Ensemble's second album, First Aid Kit was released in 2005. It was unquestionably the band's most commercially successful release. The album peaked at #9 on the official Finnish chart. The singles "Black Euro" and "We Might Fall Apart" both peaked at #6 on the singles chart.

In the spring of 2006, following the national success of the second album, Disco Ensemble and Fullsteam Records signed a worldwide distribution deal with Universal Music. First Aid Kit was reissued and released first in Europe and later in North America, South America and Asia. The band toured heavily in promotion of the album. They embarked on the Antidote Tour with Danko Jones, Bedouin Soundclash and Gogol Bordello They also played on Kerrang!'s Most Wanted tour.

Songs from this album have appeared on the soundtracks of two Electronic Arts games - "We Might Fall Apart" was used on the game FIFA 08, while "This is my Head Exploding" was used on NHL 08.