Hailing from Santa Cruz, CA and originally forming under the monicker M.A.D. (standing for Mutually Assured Destruction, of course) in late 1982, Bl'ast (the apostrophe was used to make their visual logo "more dynamic" according to vocalist Clifford Dinsmore) are of my favorite hardcore bands to ever exist. Detractors will often cite that they made a career out of imitating label mates Black Flag but this opinion doesn't lend itself to the fact that Bl'ast were a great band in their own right and definite forerunners of the stoner rock sound. Without question, guitarist Mike Neider and drummer Bill Torgerson selected a Dan Armstrong guitar and Ludwig Vistalite drums respectively because their heroes Black Flag made this look renowned. Henry Rollins mentions this briefly in a "Get In the Van" entry where he clearly discredits the band for being unoriginal and tacky.
Regardless of the fact that "Power Of Expression" LP has been permanently burned into my prefrontal cortex, I still get excited every single time it finds itself on my turntable. This soundboard recording is nearly just as powerful. This 1985 set recorded in Sun Valley, California showcases Bl'ast performing material that would find itself on their debut album shortly after. The sound quality is excellent and the mix is nothing to scoff at. This is a remarkable recording that should find itself in the collection of any self-respecting Bl'ast devotee.
Track list:
1. Our Explanation
2. I Don't Need It
3. Break It Down
4. E.I.B.
5. Fuckin' With My Head
6. School's Out (Alice Cooper)
7. Surf and Destroy
8. The Future
9. It's Alive
10. 12XU (Wire)
Whenever I had the doubt: any member of this band came from (besides THE MAD) of the impressive NEON CHRIST?
ReplyDeleteWilliam DuVall was also the guitar player in Neon Christ.
ReplyDeleteThat said, DuVall was only in Blast for a very short time between the 1st and 2nd albums.
ReplyDeleteAlso, for the record the correct song title is actually "I Don't Need II"... i.e. "I don't need to." They probably thought it was cute at the time.
The Neon Christ guy had a clear Armstrong too. Speaking of tacky and unoriginal, that was pretty much what I thought about Rollins once I discovered Charles Bukowski. Still loved the fucker though. Bl'ast! were NOT "Black Flag junior"; the masterpiece "It's In My Blood" is the proof. Thanks for putting this up.
ReplyDelete