Trying to actually describe Beirut's sound seems almost futile. At its core, Zach Condon's musical project combines elements of indie and folk with hints of world music. They're not ones to shy away from jangly synth sounds, accordions, or the odd flute, either.
What's important is that the Santa Fe-based group – the brainchild of its founder and only consistent member, Zach Condon – makes eminently catchy and touching tunes.
Condon grew up in a musical environment, being exposed to jazz, Fellini's arias, Sicilian funeral brass, and traditional Balkan music.
These multifaceted influences would coalesce in Beirut's first album, Gulag Orkestar (2005), which the musician recorded alone and almost entirely in his community college bedroom.
Condon, with Beirut, has since consistently produced records at a pace of about three or four years between.
But given the band's multifaceted sound and approach, fans can't really decide on which of these albums are the best. Some prefer Condon's early work: Gulag Orkestar (2006) and The Flying Club Cup (2007).
Others cite later material – 2011's Rip Tide and their most recent album, A Study of Losses (2025) – as particularly strong, too.
Condon is regularly joined by an assortment of musicians playing a variety of instruments including flugelhorns, ukuleles, melodicas, upright basses, sousaphones, euphoniums, glockenspiels, and more.
Fans and newcomers alike can thus expect world(ly) music at Neumunster Abbey on 9 July. With a bit of luck, two tickets might also just be yours.
RTL Today Radio are giving away two tickets to Beirut at Neumunster Abbey on Thursday, 9 July.
For a chance to win, simply answer the following question:
What is the name of Beirut's most recent album, released in 2025?
If you know the answer, send it to +352 621 52 5000 on Whatsapp and include your name and email address.
Beirut
9 July, 2026
Neumunster Abbey
Doors: 7pm
