On A Sophisticated Face, they deliver an exciting stylistic departure; on this CD the band are essentially a miniature orchestra, employing guitar, trumpet, soprano, alto & baritone sax, alto clarinet, violin, cello, cymbalom, bass & percussion. This is gloriously orchestrated, sophisticated, intriguing music, performed by one of the best "complex music" bands on the planet.

"Much of A Sophisticated Face is densely structured but composed and executed with considerable attention to the timbral possibilities presented by varied instrumental groupings. The listener's attention is free to move through many sound layers, all crisply detailed. The most ambitious and fully realized of Blast's recordings on the Cuneiform label, A Sophisticated Face arguably stands as one of the best contemporary music releases of 1999."
– AllMusic

"If one can appreciate the extremes of precision and complexity, then this is the real thing...some of the most amazing & completely insane chamber rock of the day." - Exposé

Stringy Rugs is Blast's third release. In addition to their usual instruments, they have scored parts for a number of guests on tuned percussion, brass & more. Combines a very unique & recognizable skewed rhythmic base [influenced by Capt. Beefheart] with angular & intricate horn & guitar charts ala Henry Cow and Doctor Nerve. ALL their releases are very fine, but this one is certainly their best yet. Must be heard to be believed; this is a great disc of intensely complicated, rehearsal-intensive RIO-style rock.

Wire Stitched Ears is the 2nd release by this Dutch avant/rock quartet. They use electric and acoustic guitars, alto/soprano sax, bass clarinet, baritone sax, bass, drums and vocals. About 1/3rd has vocals, while the rest is instrumental. The music is tough-edged and agressive, with obvious nods to the "downtown sound", Henry Cow and <185> era Muffins, but mostly they just sound like Blast!

"Furiously paced, chopping and changing, and rarely predictable, Blast create a challenging music that's almost perplexingly mind numbing" - Audion