BL’AST! to release alternative version of their cult debut album The Expression Of Power
BL’AST! TO RELEASE ALTERNATIVE VERSION OF THEIR CULT DEBUT, NAMED THE EXPRESSION OF POWER, AVAILABLE VIA SOUTHERN LORD 17TH MARCH
Following announcements over recent months proclaiming the release of Blood! — the newly-released but vintage recordings from iconic ‘80s Santa Cruz surf/skate/hardcore act, BL’AST! – the band then confirmed their current live lineup which took over stages in the US last year for the first time in over a decade and a half. Original BL’AST! alumni, vocalist Clifford Dinsmore (also of Dusted Angel, Gargantula) and guitarist Mike Neider recruited Nick Oliveri (Kyuss, Queens of the Stone Age, Mondo Generator) on bass and drummer Hoss Wright (The Exies, Mondo Generator) to flesh out the brand new live lineup.
BL’AST! have some more live shows this week in the States and will also perform at the infamous Hellfest, suggesting that more European shows might be confirmed soon (we hope!):
02/18/14 – San Francisco, The Chapel, United States
04/18/14 – Santa Cruz, The Catalyst, United States
06/21/14 – HELLFEST, France
But their story doesn’t end there, as another release is on the horizon for the highly influential hardcore heroes, ready to emerge in March. They are calling it, The Expression Of Power.
Flashing back to the mid 80s, BL’AST! recorded their debut several times before finally emerging from the studio with their cult classic masterpiece The Power of Expression. For the first time ever, an alternate version (the Track sessions) of this album is officially available via Southern Lord on CD and triple LP. Also included is a 28 page booklet with amazing BL’AST! photos from the mid-80s. All tracks (re)mastered by Brad Boatright.
Their boundary pushing form of hardcore, advanced musicianship, unstoppable energy and intense perseverance is as prominent now as it ever was.
CD TRACKLISTING:
01. TIME TO THINK
02. SURF AND DESTROY
03. FUCKIN’ WITH MY HEAD
04. E.I.B.
05. OUR EXPLANATION
06. THE FUTURE
07. SOMETHING BEYOND
08. BREAK IT DOWN
09. TIME WAITS (FOR NO ONE)
10. I DON’T NEED II
11. IT’S ALIVE
12. LOOK INTO MYSELF
13. NIGHTMARE
-TRACK SESSIONS-
14. TIME TO THINK
15.SURF & DESTROY
16. FUCKIN’ WITH MY HEAD
17. E.I.B.
18. OUR EXPLANATION
19. THE FUTURE
20. BREAK IT DOWN
21. TIME WAITS (FOR NO ONE)
22. I DONT NEED II
23. IT’S ALIVE
24. SCREAM FOR TOMORROW
25. NIGHTMARE
For further information regarding BL’AST! in the UK and Europe please contact lauren@rarelyunable.com
PRAISE FOR BLOOD…
“An exercise in controlled chaos, the energetic numbers present a mesh of frenetic musicianship, the various elements colliding at full speed and dancing in a skittish manner around some notably metallic riffing…this is remarkably fresh, yet also a potent reminder of the vibrant nature of 80s US hardcore.” – RECORD COLLECTOR
“These 10-tracks – from the 90-second rampage of “Poison” to the ambitious, winding of “Only Time Will Tell – show off their skill for mangled proto-thrash solos, mob vocals and limber shifts of tempo. Grohl’s mastering job means it punches harder than most contemporaneous recordings.” – UNCUT
“A victory for punk rock archaeology.” – TERRORIZER
“The results are crisp, dynamic, and far huger than the original’s ’80s production…ballsy as f*ck.” – ZERO TOLERANCE
“With quick enhancement and mixing from Dave Grohl, suddenly the forgotten memory has turned into a modern day lesson in true hardcore punk spirit. From the opening riffs of ‘Only Time Will Tell’ the Santa Cruz band sound timeless, as hauntingly devastating guitar chugging reminds you instantly of why the term ‘legends’ is so often associated with this band. ‘Blood’ is an important hardcore record that couldn’t remain hidden any longer.” – ROCK SOUND
“Blood sounds far more vital and relevant than it should, perhaps because so few modern punk and hardcore bands attack their music with this level of vigour and intensity…These songs simply crackle and buzz with an ageless energy, mirroring the heads-down sh*t-kickery of Poison Idea and Black Flag while boasting a distinctive edge all of their own…this is both a glowing advertisement for 80s punk rock and an admirable demonstration of the importance of curiosity, care and the eternal power of overdriven guitars.” – METAL HAMMER
“Shows a manic finesse that’s several cuts above the so-called masters. There’s a real sense of conviction here as well as an aggressively innovative spirit and it’s to punk’s benefit that these sometimes-ferocious recordings have seen the light of day.” – ROCK A ROLLA
“A great release and its fantastic to see Southern Lord releasing classic bands like this and Poison Idea to whole new generation of record buyers. This is well worth picking up, but if this is your first taste of the mighty Bl’ast! do yourself a favour and get hold of ‘The Power of Expression’ too. You won’t regret either.” – LOUDER THAN WAR