The Books were pioneers when it came to cobbling together glitchy electroacoustic compositions, often with a wryly silly and irreverent skew. On his new album, Tomotsugu Nakamura explores a similar aesthetic, but though a very different lens. Like the aforementioned Books, he blends sparse acoustic instrumentation with field recordings and electronic embellishments to create miniature sound collages. But instead of projecting a joyously raucous mood, Nakamura's music feels restrained. It is careful and contemplative. The songs on Literature hold tension between string plucks and silence, and this noise/quiet interplay holds the listeners attention. In fact, when sitting with the album, you might catch yourself leaning in, anticipating the next note or attempting to pick up connective motifs within songs. It warrants a few close listens, for sure, and unfolds differently each time.
- Nathan Yoder