Just hearing Beirut playing their music tops all other concerts. Even though this show was breathtaking, the perfomance was drastically different from their show in October 2007. At first i didn't really notice, i was too happy to be there. But the energy had changed, it felt like there was too much space on stage, and they weren't all playing as one. The passion was altered, lessened, maybe from touring, maybe from their rising fame. Things change, not always for the better. Despite this slight dissapointment the show was still good, i'm not saying they looked unhappy, it just took a while for them to crack a smile or look enthusastic. By mid-show i felt that the sound was more prominent and the performers, more enticing. Their music has so much more substance, you can feel the intensity in Condon's voice. Maybe thats why their fanbase has increased tenfold over the last few months. even getting there a couple hours early left us with a spot 20 people back, but luckily i was still arms distance from the stage. The good thing about a lot of fans is that theres a lot of clapping at the end. So much so that Beirut did TWO encoures. Now that was a first for me, and that shows how impressive their performance was, and their dedication to fans. At one point a fan pushed portrait of Zach onstage, much to the amusement of the band (especially Zach). I found it pretty hilarious as well. All in all the show was incalculable but compared to their last performance it was not as glorious. I think the best part of the show was their new music, they played at least 4 new songs to my enjoyment. Scenic world, A Sunday Smile, and Forks and Knives were the best in the bunch. I feel like i will never again be as happy as i am watching Beirut perform. Their music is so sweeping, so fufilling, and so mysterious, i don't think its possible to see them enough.
My Trusted MOGs
bummer it wasn't quite so glorious but still beats nothin.