http://www.laika.org

Laika was the first living creature to exit the Earth's atmosphere... the first dog in space, sent up by the Soviets. Laika, the band, exhibits many of the same qualities: experimental, ethereal and kinda "out there."

Laika formed in London in 1993. Vocalist Margaret Fiedler left her band, Moonshake, to join Guy Fixsen and John Frenett and a mass of others from the Too Pure record label. The idea behind the group was to merge electronica and guitar music into one. Laika uses computers for practically every part of recording, but have the ability to duplicate all that recorded material live. And not just a 'live sequencer;' drums, percussion, keys, bass and guitar all come together. Laika's debut EP, Antenna, was released six months later in 1994.

It was followed by Silver Apples of the Moon in 1994. Silver Apples was included in Spin magazine's '10 Best Albums You Didn't Hear in '95' list. Laika headed out on tour with Tricky in the United States, hit the second stage at Lollapalooza 1995, and played with Stereolab, MC 900ft Jesus and Dinosaur Jr.

Frenett left in 1997 and Laika took a brief hiatus. Sounds of the Satellites came out in 1997. Guy and Margaret took on equal amounts of work for the recording and production of this record, including album design.

Laika's latest is Good Looking Blues (2000, Too Pure).