The Russia Journal LifeStyle

Saturday, 04.11.2000

Moscow band blasts off

After completing an English tour in the summer, Blast have returned to Moscow, attracting crowds of crazy fans wherever they go. The band that started off in 1996 with wild performances of covers at the newly opened Hungry Duck, is now producing its own singles in Britain.

Blast have already signed record deals with English firms and released "Bury the Shoe, Girl" as a single. Another single is set for release in February, when the group will return to England for another tour.

Known only by their nicknames, Blast consist of Muscovites Nash (lead singer and lyric writer, 30) and Khiap (guitarist, 35), and Bulgarians Valio (bass player, 24) and Vlado (drummer, 25).

They say they chose the band's name because they considered themselves to be a loud, explosive group and wanted a word that would sum that up. Their music is mainly about life, common feelings that some people can only express through music, love, and how they see things. They are classified as alternative music.

The group, which has released an album — "Pigs can Fly" — and two videos, makes a living from performing. Nash said he loves performing in Moscow clubs because of the audience reaction. He says the feeling he gets from the crowd is "like having an orgasm."

The band's next performances will be on Nov. 4 at Krizis Zhanra and Hippopotam, then on Nov. 5 at Pumba (30 km outside of Moscow). Don't worry if you miss them this time around — the band plays a lot. Check listings for other times.