Fascinating new release from talented young Zach Condon who stitches together two sides of his split personality... first we get an amazing set of funeral marches played by the 19-piece Jimenez Band, discovered deep in Oaxaca by our hero, who provide a lovely rustic-sounding backdrop for the soft, despairing musings of the man himself. Then we get a nice little set of early-'80s sounding electropop from Mr. Condon's previous incarnation as Realpeople, finding him equally enthusiastic and creative but in a completely different (bleepy, clattery, futuristic) style. Somehow it all works together, and makes you appreciate both more than you ever thought you would. Self-released on Pompeii Recordings!

Beirut performed at Amoeba Hollywood on 10/12/07. Watch the Beirut video here.