Beirut
Beirut is the brainchild of 20 year-old New Mexican Zach Condon whose incredible debut album, Gulag Orkestar on 4AD Records, is fast becoming a word of mouth phenomenon. Richly influenced by the mournful brass and accordion led march of traditional Balkan folk, this is a collection of superb folk pop songs brought to life by Condon's wonderfully phrased voice, with a tone reminiscent of Thom Yorke at his most tender.

With exotic song titles like Bratislava and Prenzlauer Berg, Gulag Orkestar sounds like the rousing soundtrack to a road trip around old world Europe, evoking the grandeur and history of these old cities while managing to maintain a warmth and intimacy to each song. With the power and extra dynamics of a live brass section, a smattering of recent UK shows demonstrated further proof, if it were needed, of what a talented songwriter Condon is. See for yourself when Beirut return to Britain in March 2007.