Beirut, Make New Friends, But Keep the Old

Zach Condon’s latest offering comes in the form of a double EP, entitled “March of the Zapotec/Holland.” Parts of the first disc were recorded in Oaxca, Mexico in April 2008, and feature Condon backed by a 19-piece band from the region. He’s up to his old tricks, with heavy Baltic influence and his oh so appropriate voice, though there is a definite Latin influence, thanks to his trip south of the border and his backing band. Most of these songs would feel right at home on any one of Beirut’s previous recordings and any fan or the band will find something to enjoy here. It’s on the second EP, “Holland,” where Condon shakes things up a bit. He’s replaced his traditional backing band for electronic beats on most of the tracks. I have to admit when I first heard Condon’s voice crooning over a synth track and computerized bass beat I wasn’t sure what to think. The backing track is decent enough, but what got me, as with everything else Beirut, were the vocals. There’s just something irresistible about Condon’s singing. The final track, and unfortunately the longest on the EP, “No Dice,” is noticeably devoid of vocals and could (and should) be disregarded. The length of both discs put together is only a paltry 35 minutes, but considering the consistent flow of music from Condon, I suppose I shouldn’t complain. Overall the effort here is a good one and I commend the jump to the electronic sector, just as long as it’s not the entirety of the next full length.