2019 started out as a year full of optimism for Zach Condon, best known by his moniker Beirut. But after suffering from persistent throat issues, Condon was unsure of his musical future.
In order to process, he ventured to a space that had brought him solace in the past — the dark arctic winter — and holed up in a small cabin in Norway where the sun never rose above the horizon. Once he returned to his Berlin base, it was time to hunker down and finish what he’d started: The new Beirut album HADSEL. “Spillhaugen” is a return to the DIY approach of his debut, layering hand drums, shakers, and synth percussion to glory.
More: Cast your eyes on Beirut on MBE 2019