The Future of What

The Future of What is the third studio album by American post-hardcore band Unwound, released on April 24, 1995 by Kill Rock Stars.

The Future of What
Studio album by Unwound
Released	April 24, 1995
Recorded	December 1994
Studio	John and Stu's (Seattle, Washington)
Genre	Post-hardcore noise rock
Length	40:16 (LP) 59:18 (CD)
Label	Kill Rock Stars
Producer	Steve Fisk
Unwound chronology
New Plastic Ideas (1994) The Future of What (1995) Unwound (1995)

Recording and release

The Future of What was recorded in December 1994 at John and Stu's in Seattle, Washington and produced by Steve Fisk.^[1] The album cover features an illustration by Soviet Ukrainian constructivist artist Yakov Chernikhov.^[2]

Critical reception

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[3]
Sputnikmusic	3.8/5[4]

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.^[5] The album's title inspired the name of Brooklyn synth band Future of What.^[6]

Track listing

All music is composed by Unwound.

Side one

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

Side two

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

CD bonus tracks

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

Unwound

• Justin Trosper – Vocals, guitar
• Vern Rumsey – Bass
• Sara Lund – Drums

Additional musicians

• Steve Fisk – Optigan

Technical Personnel

• Steve Fisk – Producer
• John Goodmanson – Engineer
• Kathi Wilcox – Photography