Aside from performing in the sonic collage duo the Books, Nick Zammuto has also recorded computer- and guitar-based experimental music under his surname, later expanding the project into a full-fledged electronic art-pop band. A far cry from the abstract electronics of early solo efforts like 2000’s Willscher, recordings like 2012’s Zammuto were filled with complex, hooky arrangements and trippy vocals.
Zammuto’s first releases, including the 1998 triple CD-R Solutiore of Stareau and 2000 full-length Willscher, were atmospheric, hypnotic, and glitchy. However, over time, playing with the Books (which he co-founded with Paul de Jong in 2000) encouraged Zammuto to branch out and incorporate live instrumentation. After a stopgap to concentrate on the Books’ The Way Out, Zammuto returned with a self-titled album for Temporary Residence. For 2012’s Zammuto, he incorporated a four-piece rock setup: he played guitar supported by his bassist brother Mikey, drummer Sean Dixon, and multi-instrumentalist Gene Back. The album received much critical acclaim, and the band spent much of the year touring with acts like Gotye, Explosions in the Sky, and Lymbyc Systym. The group followed in 2014 with Anchor, a more spacious effort that included guest vocals from Snowblink singer Daniela Gesundheit. An EP titled Veryone followed in 2016. In 2018, Nick composed the score to the American drama film We the Animals, directed by Jeremiah Zager. ~ Jason Lymangrover, Rovi
