Mikko Syrjä

Finnish musician born on November 15, 1957 in Tampere, Finland. He is best known as the guitarist and main songwriter of Eppu Normaali. He has also worked as producer. Guitar virtuoso, master of electric and acoustic reverb and countless other styles, Pantse is the main musical staple as principle composer in a songwriting partnership with his lead singer brother Martti in one of the most successful Finnish bands ever. In this band which is affectionately known as Eput, Pantse originally colloborated with the early main lyricist and bassist Mikko Saarela. When Saarela left and was replaced by Kollaa Kestää's Mikko Nevalainen in 1979 Martti assumed the lyrical mantle. These two partnerships with Saarela and Martti have allowed Pantse to write some of the most anthemic singles and album standouts in mainland European rock history. Lead guitarist Pantse's collaboration with gritty rhythm guitarist Juha Torvinen is a driving force behind the tornado of sound Eput produce akin to the spell of Jones and Richards. Pantse has had noticeable success in bringing the semiacoustic feel of for example Creedence Clearwater Revival's country rock authenticity within the confines of punk and new wave, something like a Mark Knopfler or Hank Marvin with an altrock focus creating some of the most likeable musical sequences and fills in modern poprock. Perhaps his ultimate peer is the Doors' Robbie Krieger with his acid splash careful control and release canvass; occasionally the method Bernard Sumner used early on and Will Sergeant often exploited. Not stopping there, Pantse is a force to be reckoned with in punk and new wave musical production incorporating the insight and talents equal to his new wave Finnish contemporary Jimi Sumén behind the mixing desk, often working for the innovative music label Poko Records which Eput were also signed to. Most new wave acts in Finland wanted him or Sumén in the chair. Those lucky enough found they were halfway to a masterpiece if they had the skill with Pantse helping their sound. All told these achievements mark Pantse out as a Finnish Pete Townshend or Jimmy Page and a seminal beacon in Scandinavian and punk creativity history and he has a body of work as a musician and producer second to none.. He is the son of Kirsi Kunnas, the brother of Martti Syrjä and the cousin of Aku Syrjä.