Ben Lowes-Smith reviews the richly textured new album from Zach Condon
4AD
Released: 01.02.19
After 2015’s No No No took Beirut to very MOR place, you may be forgiven for thinking that Zach Condon had finally rounded off the edges of a once compelling proposition. Gallipoli is something of a return to form, incorporating the rich, textured orchestration of his earlier work.
Varieties of Exile is flecked with consummate jazz playing, the vocal harmonies shoot for the moon and subtle earworms litter the landscape and unfurl gradually over repeated listens. We Never Lived Here is a glacial, cinematic tour de force, On Mainau Island sound collages with glorious results, and highlight Gauze Fur Zah – probably the song most reminiscent of Condon’s earlier work – is a rabbit hole of dense melody. Gallipoli is the most satisfying Beirut record in a decade.
