A Sophisticated Face�@(CUNEIFORM RUNE 125)

A Sophisticated Face, the band's fourth release, is an exciting stylistic departure; normally working as a quartet, for this release the band are essentially a miniature orchestra consisting of guitar, trumpet, flugelhorn, soprano, alto and baritone saxes, alto clarinet, violin, cello, cymbalom [an Eastern European hammered dulcimer], bass and percussion. The music reflects that as well, as the sound is geared more towards modern 20th century classical composition than what is normally thought of as "rock music". Musically, it is their most assured. Intensely difficult arrangements and compositions are handled with ease, as all members are first-rate musicians. The band self-released their 1st CD, Puristsirup, in 1992. Cuneiform Records signed the band and released, Wire Stitched Ears (1995) and Stringy Rugs (1997). These releases have received much positive press; Alternative Press said "Suggestive of nothing, [Blast] harken back to the days when music adhered to no trend or scene...this is a must." Expos raved that "If one can appreciate the extremes of precision and complexity, then this is the real stuff...some of the most amazing and completely insane chamber rock of the day." Blast have performed throughout Europe including stops at major centers such as Rome, Zurich, Vienna, Bruxelles, Budapest and Amsterdam. They were featured at the 1990 M.I.M.I. festival in France and performed in the US in January, 1993 at New York's prestigious new-music showcase, The Kitchen, and was reviewed by The New York Times. In 1996, Blast played at the world-renowned F.I.M.A.V. Festival [Victoriaville Festival] in Canada and did an East Coast tour of the U.S.A. In late 1998 the band toured Europe as an octet to prepare for the recording of this CD. The band will tour Europe in support of the new album in January and May of 2000.