New World Artifacts by Unschooling

Seeking out projects that lean into experimentalism leads us to a lot of highly ambitious works. In an effort to flex their instrumental skills or expel emotional demons, artists are pushing their boundaries now more than ever. Unschooling’s no wave record New World Artifacts is a prime example of this inspired and highly skilled chaos.

From the very first track Unschooling plays with speed in fascinating ways to the tune of rhythmically indecisive post indie, complete with shiny lead and gritty backing guitars. Each instrument is truly on its own journey as this France-based group wanders across music styles like minimal drone, classic post punk, subtle no wave, moody indie with pop riffs, solo piano, the list goes on. Despite its dissonance and unpredictability, New World Artifacts is by no means careless; each track is thought out and driven even if its trajectory isn’t always clear. Unschooling is clearly confident enough to experiment, feverishly stitching together familiar influences with an energetic yet lofi sound that inspires repeated listening. - Carrie