David Emery OnlineBeirut - Gulag Orkestar
16 December 2006
And now for something completely different
In at number 5 in my list of the best albums of 2006 is Beirut’s debut album, Gulag Orkestar.
This is really somewhat of a departure for me, musically; every once in a while, though, an album comes along that is in a completely different style to what you normally listen to but thanks to it’s sheer brilliance wins you over all the same. The Beirut album is one such album.
The album manages to conjure up such vivid imagery while you listen to it – perfectly capturing both the poverty and isolation but also the romance of Eastern Europe. Zach Condon – who for all intents and purposes is Beriut – adds vocals that are hugely powerful, haunting and moving that are a stark contrast to the big brass and slightly shambolic instrumental accompaniment; it all works perfectly.
Then, when you think it couldn’t get any better, a slight electronic edge gets thrown in – completely different to everything else you’re hearing, but it pushes the music along to somewhere even better.