Beirut has released a new track titled “Caspian Tiger,” originally composed for the Swedish circus group Kompani Giraff. The song, now available on Zach Condon’s Pompeii Records, will be featured on an upcoming Beirut album, following the release of last year’s Hadsel. Read on for a statement from Condon and details on their European tour dates.
Zach Condon’s Statement
When initially asked to create a soundtrack for a circus performance, memories of the past resurfaced for Condon. He had been typecast as a whimsical circus figure, a portrayal that didn’t align with his musical vision. Despite his reservations, Condon found Kompani Giraff’s project intriguing and thoroughly enjoyed composing for acrobats. “Caspian Tiger” was among the first tracks written for the new album, inspired by the imagery of animals in captivity and battling in ancient arenas.
The animals, originating from the Asian steppes near the Caspian Sea and as far east as Tashkent, served as a muse for Condon. His sonic influences drew heavily from choir music, a genre he was deeply engrossed in at the time. Perhaps, unconsciously, Condon sought to embrace and enhance the imagery that had previously pigeonholed him.
Beirut European Tour Dates
05-01 Utrecht, Netherlands – TivoliVredenburg – Grote Zaal
05-02 Utrecht, Netherlands – TivoliVredenburg – Grote Zaal
05-05 Brussels, Belgium – Cirque Royal
05-06 Brussels, Belgium – Cirque Royal
05-08 London, England – O2 Academy Brixton
FAQs
Q: What inspired Beirut’s new track “Caspian Tiger”?
A: The song was originally written for the Swedish circus group Kompani Giraff and draws inspiration from images of animals in captivity and battling in ancient arenas.
Q: When will Beirut be embarking on their European tour?
A: Beirut’s European tour dates are scheduled for May 2025, with stops in Utrecht, Netherlands, Brussels, Belgium, and London, England.
Credit: pitchfork.com
