Critiques CD: The Books | The Way Out

Otis Redding once sang “It’s been a long time coming.”. No line could be more apt when describing The Books’ new release, itself five years in the making. Record number four is sure to appease the band’s fervent fans, once again offering what they have come to obsess over, a quiet mix of acoustic instrumentation (guitar, cello, banjo) and subtle electronics peppered – a little meatier this time out – with obscure sound samples and snippets. Meticulously collaged, composed and performed, The Way Out solidifies Nick Zammuto and Paul de Jong’s place as truly unique crafters of a new pop genre.