Gulag Orkestar

Description

The debut of singer/multi-instrumentalist Zach Condon (aka Beirut), 2006s Gulag Orkestar marked the arrival of a precocious talent. Its a lushly arranged album that reveals Condons unabashed adoration of Eastern European folk music, gilded with swaying accordion lines, rapturous string passages, and jangling percussion that seem wholly rooted in traditional Slavic music (see the waltz-like Prenzlauerberg) making its creation by a young Europhile from New Mexico that much more impressive. Condon sings in a low warble that recalls Magnetic Fields Stephin Merritt, showcasing his unrestrained flair for drama on tracks such as the tense Brandenburg and the swooning Scenic World. Effectively displaying Condons considerable abilities, Gulag Orkestar is a fully formed first outing sure to appeal to fans of ornate and adventurous indie pop. ~ Eric Schneider