Beirut

Overview

Everyone likes a story of success against the odds so I guess that's why I like knowing that Zach Condon's debut album Gulag Orkestar, which became an instant success, was actually recorded in his bedroom.

The frontman and his now hugely successful American indie band Beirut, have since put out three more albums. These reflect their many influences ranging from Balkan folk to French, Mariachi and Hispanic style music. The thing which holds all these eclectic sounds together is the ever present brass section, fronted by Condon on trumpet as well as the sound of his melodic and velvety voice.

Beirut were last in Auckland in 2008 but are playing to a sold-out audience at the Powerstation in January where they will promote their latest album The Rip Tide. While there's more of a "poppiness" to the sound of these tracks, the brass section still reigns supreme.

There's something so nostalgic and utterly romantic about Beirut's music that when the trumpets, trombones and tuba kick in, it makes you want to grab the person next to you and start dancing the waltz. To me Beirut sound distinct to any other band, they are contemporary yet timeless.