Review Summary: Gulag Orkestar is different, unique, and exciting. It's a treat that will entertain with every listen.
23 year old Zach Condon is the man behind Beirut. In this 2006 release, Gulag Orkestar, Condon does something no one was expecting. He successfully mixed American pop music with Balkan styles, resulting in a tremendous album. Within the first few listens of this album, I was a bit concerned that many of the songs sounded similar. I felt as if there were no depth to the album. After listening to this album several more times, however, certain things came to clear to me. He released this album at 19 years of age, and played the majority of the tracks on the album all by himself. Condon experiments with many instruments, and that factor stands out to me. Each song has its little unique nuances to it that make it phenomenal.
Many will say that Condon's vocals are very mumbled, and are not clear. Well, I for one think that is intentional. It fits the music. And besides, it beats having some poppy, over-eccentric singer throwing his voice out there. His melodies are superb, and the layers- THE LAYERS- my God, the layers. Every time I sit through this album, I'll pick up something which I didn't hear before. And THAT is what makes music interesting. All those singer-songwriters who make an album with one guitar is great and all, and sure it's worth a few listens. But honestly, one layer of instrumentation is unexciting. Beirut contradicts that in both this album as well as his others. This album is exciting, unique, but most importantly- It's different. It's interesting. It's going on a trip every time I hear it.
Most songs all this album focus mainly on Balkan styles. However, Beirut takes a quick break from that in both "Postcards from Italy," and "Scenic World." These two songs reflect more of the American style and how he can combine the two. "Scenic World" is more of an upbeat, electronic feel good song. Which makes sense, considering Condon wrote many electronic songs before dropping out of high school to go to Europe. Really, too get the full affect of the album, you have to play it from start to finish.
If you're looking for something different from the norm, this album is for you.
Standout tracks:
Gulag Orkestar
Postcards from Italy
Mount Wroclai (Idle Days)
Scenic World
After the Curtain
