The Rip Tide Pompeii Records****

After 2006's hugely acclaimed Gulag Orkestar, some argued that Zach Condon rushed out 2007's The Flying Club Cup,given the tinges of repetition about the songs. Four years on, it's hard to believe Condon is just 25, but taking his time third time around has proved a shrewd move. It has allowed his musical ideas to roam and broaden, and his ability as an arranger is more evident. The blaring horns and waltzing strings are still here, as are the klezmer stylings, but there's more experimentation with tempo and sound. If it's possible, the instrument count is higher still, soundtracking Condon's vocals, which have a new depth of pitch. Several tracks are exploratory hybrids of new and old, like Santa Fe(named for his hometown), with pristine bouncy synths trailed by an earthy bass drum. See beirutband.com

Download tracks: Santa Fe, The Peacock, Port of Call