Beirut's Zach Condon Finds Heart in France

Zach Condon’s sophomore album, "The Flying Club Cup," was largely inspired by a return to France, a country that introduced him to the Balkan music that defined his debut.

This new work features prominent Gallic brass and accordion, with song titles referencing French cities. The album’s strength lies in its ability to evoke universal feelings, such as warmth and sleepiness, even when referencing specific people and places.

Tracks like "Nantes" offer an exotic feel without temporal specificity, while "A Sunday Smile" captures relatable sensations. "Un Dernier Verre (Pour la Route)" and "Guyamas Sonora" highlight Condon’s increased focus on piano-driven pop, complemented by the band’s signature layering of unique instrumental contrasts.

Violins arranged by Owen Pallett and Kristin Ferebee add a light counterpoint to Condon’s dense instrumentation. Condon’s vocal layering, while characteristic, is appropriate for songs often dealing with weariness. However, melodies on tracks like "Cliquot" remain romantically charged, bordering on musical theater.

Condon excels in prosody, his vocal flow complementing the music's exoticism. This exoticism on "The Flying Cup Club" isn't about alienation but a search for familiarity within the seemingly unfamiliar, making the record a journey untethered from a single location.