Into Battle With the Art of Noise

The title Into Battle With the Art of Noise says it all, because Art of Noise were probably one of the most combative bands around at the time, tackling preconceptions of what music is and how to write it, and combining modern technology and avant-garde techniques to create stunning new fusions. The impact of early tracks can still be felt today, and even if something like "Moments in Love" seems like nothing but an easy instrumental, the unnerving, ominous midsection breaks the orchestrated mood until a sudden flourish of harps returns everything back to a now-uncertain calm. The remainder of the EP's tracks are quick and almost fragmentary but show the group having fun with touches and approaches that would be brought to bear elsewhere: the orchestral stabs and ominous flow of "Donna," the brutal percussion stomp of "Flesh in Armour," and the cut-up revamp of the Andrews Sisters and "The Army Now." One listen to Into Battle With the Art of Noise and some of the influences in industrial, hip-hop, techno, and pop become clearer.