Who? School of Language is the solo project of multi-instrumentalist David Brewis, one third of Sunderland, England's Field Music. The one-man band still shares a studio/practice space with his other bandmates (along with friends in the Futureheads), who continue to provide input (and sometimes play) on each other's individual efforts. Produced and recorded entirely by Brewis, School of Language's debut album, Sea From Shore, drops Feb. 5 via Thrill Jockey.

What's the Deal? School of Language has allowed Brewis the freedom to experiment with songwriting structures, strange sounds and unusual techniques that don't necessarily work within Field Music's cheerful chamber-pop setting. He's also discovered that household items such as toothbrushes and toolboxes make for interesting sampling fodder. Sea From Shore is full of angular hooks, disjointed rhythms, off-kilter melodies and dissonant harmonies, all united under Brewis's sharp pop sensibilities and soulful vocals. The four parts of "Rockist" offer different variations on the same vocal loop and chord progression, together forming a mini rock symphony of sorts. The Futureheads' Barry Hyde and David Craig appear on "Disappointment '99," which has a similarly energetic and exuberant feel, while "Keep Your Water" is more lush with swelling layers of acoustic and electric guitars. Even when dealing with his girlfriend's hospitalization on "This Is No Fun" (she is now home and well), Brewis shrouds his sadness in syncopated riffs, whimsical synths and lines like, "This is no fun without you / the pictures and the parties and the booze that you don't even drink."

Fun Fact: Aside from his work as a musician, School of Language is of the scholarly kind. In 2001, Brewis graduated with a degree in Math from Newcastle University. "I did win a prize in my final year for my meritorious performance," Brewis tells SPIN.com. "They had to just send a cheque [sic] for about 30 pounds because I didn't actually go to my graduation!" 

Now Hear This:
School of Language - "Rockist Part 1" DOWNLOAD MP3

On the Web:
School of Language at MySpace

Talk: Will you attend the School of Language?