There hasn't been much happening in the Balkan indie music scene since we last heard from Beirut. In 2006, their stunning debut, Gulag Orkestar, impressed listeners with its unconventional Eastern European sound, erupting from a massive horn section. This time around, front man Zach Condon returns on The Flying Club Cup, but he leaves the foreign-sounding melodies behind. Instead, Condon arranges brass instruments to back his dreamy voice; it's the album's most important - and prominent - instrument, weaving through the often-chaotic instrumentation.
Lyrically, the folk wunderkind has matured from the enjoyable but simple "Postcards from Italy," the song that launched him to fame on the blogosphere. On the dramatic leadoff single, "Nantes," Condon proclaims that he will "Gamble away my fright / And I'll gamble away my time" because it has been "a long time now. since I've seen you smile."
On first listen, Beirut may seem repetitive - all upswellings of horns and accordions. But keep listening - The Flying Club Cup works best because it takes you into Condon's unique, enchanted world. He's yet to reach his potential, but this is his best work to date.
