What are you cooking this Sunday? I know that I am cooking one must-heat spotlight for you. We are going few decades back in time again, but I promise you a recent artists for the following week. There are many musicians who are yet to become legends. That’s the art of becoming a legend.
Now, here is a group whose founder is probably one of the most cherished producers in the world. He was responsible for numerous hits during 1980s, and the music would certainly not sound the same in that era If he didn’t embellish it with his talent and skill. I am talking about Trevor Horn, the guy responsible for the genius of the art group I am about to review.
The Art Of Noise were British new wave avant-garde synth-pop group who formed in London in 1983. Critically acclaimed and highly respected producer Trevor Horn that I already mentioned, music journalist Paul Morley, session musicians Anne Duddley, J.J.Jeczalik and Gary Langan came together for a project that will went on to become one of the most artistic music groups that ever existed.
The Art Of Noise were known for their instrumental compositions tailored with advanced digital technology of sample. In their time, this technology was completely innovative. They were also trailblazers in the utilization of electronic and computers in popular music. They were the first ones who used revolutionary sampler Fairlight CMI. Another pioneer quality of the band was that they were famous for their unique non-existent image in the first period of their career. Extremely original videos also added up to the overall impression. They have released five studio albums and few compilations. Unfortunately, they stopped creating art in 1990. Luckily, the group reunited in 1998, but only for two years.
The same night Trevor Horn was proclaimed the best producer during BRIT Awards ceremony, he formed The Art Of Noise. It was 1983. Let’s remind ourselves that Trevor was part of the group The Buggles that brought the world massive smash Video Killed The Radio Star. I am not going to namedrop all the popular groups and artists Trevor was collaborating with by offering his producer talents. We are going to stay focused on The Art Of Noise. Morley suggested the name and the first EP wad dropped in the autumn of 1983. It was titled Into Battle With The Art Of Noise, and it contained powerful Beat Box. The song became a huge hit among breakdancers in United States and it brought the group significant success on Billboard’s Urban and Alternative dance charts.
Technically perfect, the debut album Who’s Afraid Of The Art Noise reached 27th place on UK Chart. In the same year of 1985, Trevor Horn was named Best producer for the second time on Brit Awards. The first single Close To The Edit peaked on #8 of UK Singles Chart. It is a trademark of the band. The second single Moments In Love was maybe not a chart-topper, but it is one of my personal favorites. The group’s second single from their upcoming second single, Peter Gunn, was a cover of a standard by American guitar legend Duane Eddy. The sophomore record In Visible Silence was received with moderate commercial success. Band went on to release few more albums, with all of them being top-notch victory among critics. Regardless of the lack of commercial success, they have managed to leave a mark on the music industry.
If this review teased you, I suggest you start with their compilation The Best Of The Art Of Noise. The single Kiss from that collection stands as my absolute favorite. As per usual, I will leave some of their works uncovered so that you can discover them. You will realize that The Art Of Noise are more than music. They are art and they are noise that brings hope.
