The Future of What
The Future of What is the fourth studio album by the American post-hardcore band Unwound, released on April 24, 1995 by Kill Rock Stars. The album was recorded in December 1994 at John and Stu's in Seattle, Washington.
| The Future of What | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | April 24, 1995 | |||
| Recorded | December 1994 | |||
| Studio | John and Stu's, Seattle WA | |||
| Genre | Post-hardcore, noise rock, drone | |||
| Length | 40:16 (LP) 59:18 (CD) | |||
| Label | Kill Rock Stars | |||
| Producer | Steve Fisk | |||
| Unwound chronology | ||||
| ||||
Recording and release
The Future of What was recorded in December 1994 at John and Stu's in Seattle, Washington and released on April 24, 1995 by the independent record label Kill Rock Stars.[1] The album cover features an illustration by Russian constructivist artist Yakov Chernikhov.[2] The CD and digital versions of the album included 4 extra tracks which were excluded from the vinyl due to length.
Critical reception
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [3] |
In a favorable review, AllMusic's John Bush commented: "Taking their punk heritage from the Buzzcocks, Unwound write grinding, but tuneful songs. Most tracks rumble with a wandering bass while guitar fuzz coats the works. The vocals are intense, usually screamed. One atypical touch is the closer, a hypnotic quasi-ambient organ piece".[3] In a mixed review, Jem Aswad of CMJ New Music Monthly praised the opening track, but criticized the album's consistency.[4] The album's title inspired the name of Brooklyn synth band Future of What.[5]
Track listing
All music is composed by Unwound.
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "New Energy" | 1:57 |
| 2. | "Demolished" | 2:49 |
| 3. | "Natural Disasters" | 3:15 |
| 4. | "Re-Enact the Crime" | 2:42 |
| 5. | "Equally Stupid" | 3:06 |
| 6. | "Pardon My French" | 1:30 |
| 7. | "Descension" | 4:21 |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 8. | "Accidents on Purpose" | 1:55 |
| 9. | "Petals Like Bricks" | 2:22 |
| 10. | "Vern's Answer to the Masses" | 0:39 |
| 11. | "Here Come the Dogs" | 2:06 |
| 12. | "Disappoint" | 5:18 |
| 13. | "Swan" | 8:09 |
| Total length: | 40:16 | |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 14. | "Full Explanation of Answer" | 5:24 |
| 15. | "Excuse Me..." | 4:02 |
| 16. | "...But Pardon..." | 2:42 |
| 17. | "...My French" | 6:53 |
| Total length: | 59:18 | |
Personnel
- Steve Fisk – Producer, Optigan
- John Goodmanson – Engineer
- Sara Lund – Drums
- Vern Rumsey – Bass
- Justin Trosper – Guitar
- Kathi Wilcox – Photography
References
- "Unwound". Kill Rock Stars. Archived from the original on 2014-02-22. Retrieved 2013-06-04.
- The Future of What (CD booklet). Unwound. Olympia, Washington: Kill Rock Stars. 1995. KRS #245.CS1 maint: others (link)
- John Bush. "The Future of What". Allmusic. Archived from the original on 2016-04-05. Retrieved 2013-08-08.
- Jem Aswad (August 1995). "The Future of What". CMJ New Music Monthly (24): 40. Retrieved 2013-08-08.
- http://bedfordandbowery.com/2014/05/future-of-what-is-pro-life-but-not-in-the-way-youre-thinking/
