Beirut - March of the Zapotec / Holland EP

An EP Double-dose from Zach Condon

Released early last Tuesday as the result of an internet leak, Zach Condon's latest double EP picks up where Flying Cup Club left off. Entitled March of the Zapotec, the first EP consists of songs written by Beirut and recorded in Mexico with the help of Oaxacan march masters The Jimenez Band. The second EP, Holland, showcases Zach's latest bedroom-style recordings under his former moniker Realpeople, including the previously released "Venice" (in the 2007 Believer music issue), and "My Night With the Prostitute From Marseilles" (on the Natalie Portman curated Big Change charity album). Taken together, the two EPs proudly display the scope of Beirut's work over the last year.

The pairing of these two EPs is rather odd, mixing the lush mariachi sound of Zappotec with the electro-pop dreamscapes of Holland. The transition between the two, however, is nearly seamless, and the end result creates two subtle movements. Interestingly on Holland, it's Condon's voice that drives the songs, unlike the brass explosions from The Jimenez Band in Zappotec. Yet another solid release by musical extraordinaire Zach Condon - worth the purchase.

Buy the double EP here.