Zach Condon’s use of brass and keys can make much of his music seem like a blast from the past, particularly on organic efforts like “Vagabond” and “East Harlem” where natural orchestral-laden instrumentation makes his infusion of folk and pop (with Balkan influences for each) sound irresistibly nostalgic. Tracks like “Santa Fe”, with its bouncy synth lead, are more indicative of his contemporary indie-folk leanings, but the cohesive balance on The Rip Tide between both these styles made it one of 2011’s best (#41).
So with the balance between old and new, it’s apt that the video for “Vagabond” is in black-and-white with allusions to 1940s wartime films. The video, which features soldiers and sailors “flirting with nurses and hard-living local girls at a dance”, was inspired by Milos Forman films from the 1960s. Directors Sunset Television also added that “With all the smoking, drinking, and advanced pregnancy, the video will probably be banned from MTV, so we hope lots of people enjoy it on the internet.”
MP3: Beirut – El Zocalo
MP3: Beirut – My Wife
MP3: Beirut – The Shrew
Official Site / MySpace / BUY
