Beirut Makes Audience Sway Like A Slinky Attached To A Violently Pulsating Ceiling

Zach Condon, the baby faced bandleader of Beirut, untucked his rotary valve trumpet from under his arm during the sold out show this past Thursday at the Commodore Ballroom. Our casual maestro deftly conducted his players with a flick of the wrist here and a sideways wave of the hand there. Between songs, Condon would huddle with his band mates while the crowd deliriously applauded each tight picture-perfect performance.

Whatever strategy was spoken in the huddles, it was absolutely sound. The Eastern European vibe came through in unbreakable fashion along with Beirut's genuinely happy aura. Take your pick, the musical arsenal was large: accordion, violin, ukulele, mandolin, clarinet, baritone sax, French horn, trumpet, drums and the kitchen sink. Beirut immediately jump started the crowd with "Nantes" from their latest LP, The Flying Club Cup. Condon crooned gracefully while his troop energetically pumped out the mini-orchestral glee. There were about eight members in all that night, but they milled around with bursting liveliness that didn't lend well to counting.

Suddenly the tone of the evening turned from Balkan to Mexican. A song written in Oaxaca, Mexico shed a new light on a group known for their Eastern European melodic vibe. This new instrumental track jingled around like the sharp brass soundtrack of a drunken weary giant, running very quickly and then slowing down to calm his nausea.

While priming the crowd with a salty salute, our carnival ringleader burst into the 'let's-dance-like-idiots- around-the-Casio-keyboard' feel of "Scenic World". In sound, this song, with its slowed tempo was more reminiscent of the Lon Gisland - EP version. The crowd, now whipped into a squirrel like frenzy, peaked during the band's first exit off the stage. Thumping feet and maniac screams from the audience littered the air during the brief wait between encores.

The many encores were heavily influenced by alcohol. "This song is powered by booze," Condon proclaimed, as the band also delivered the fun cover "Siki, Siki Baba". During the tail end of the show, Beirut was growing more jubilant and uncorked. Brass instruments were being thrust in the air, almost as offerings to imaginary gods while a tambourine became dangerously airborne. The camaraderie was strong as the group sang along with their courageous leader.

As the show officially ended, the band left the stage and Condon briefly stayed, saluted and thanked the rapturous crowd. As he slowly walked to stage right, he stared at the sold out crowd as they continued to wildly applaud. Good night indeed.

Beirut played a sold-out show at the Commodore on Thursday, May 22, 2008.

Concert review guest written by Kris Perta. Photos by Duran Cheung.