The Way OutTemporary Residence Ltd

In theory, it should be easy to categorise The Books. A band that incorporates electronica, folk, vocal samples, warped guitars and creepy cello, they could be nebulously compared to The Avalanches or perhaps The Go! Team sieved through a demonic vapour. But it's not so clear-cut. Nick Zammuto and Paul de Jong's first album in five years probably isn't the best starting point for newcomers to their eccentric musings, but there are undeniably likeable curiosities. The Way Outis bookended by tracks that sample dated self-help hypnosis cassettes, to peculiar effect ( Group Autogenics I &II), while Thirty Incomingmarries ominous answering machine messages with an almost tribal soundtrack. It's a haphazard and occasionally bewildering affair, but perhaps that's all part of the charm. See thebooks music.com

Download tracks:The Story of Hip-Hop, Thirty Incoming