In an email interview with Pitchfork, Nick Zammuto talked about his new musical project, called Zammuto. And, while this is all interesting, Zammuto (the guy, not the band) let it be known that The Books were splitting for good. On the topic, Zammuto said “it’s been an extraordinarily painful year coming to the realization that there was no way forward for the band. I love the Books and all that it became, and it still feels strange to me that such an odd little project moved people like it did.”

When asked why The Books were coming to an end, Zammuto answered:

Right now, going into the details of it does not serve anyone, and I’m still too close to it to talk about it without getting angry. It’s best for it to remain a mystery for a while. I doubt we will work together again, and unfortunately it almost certainly means we will retire the name after these last releases are out. I think The Way Out was an optimistic attempt to see if it could still work, and I remember thinking, even back then, that it might be a very aptly named record. I think [Paul and I] deserve a shot at rebuilding, so that will be my focus. And I’m excited to focus on the next phase now.

But, fans of the band can take some comfort in the fact that “a couple LPs worth of B-sides and soundtracks, a box set with the four [Books] records, and an updated DVD” should all be available later this year. We’ll keep you posted on further information when it is known. And, for more about Zammuto (the band, not the guy), check out the rest of the Pitchfork interview.