Review: Beirut "Elephant Gun" [EP] (2007)

Beirut, the indie band from Albuquerque, USA - inspired by European music after the band's mentor Zach Condon decided to do a trip to Europe around his 17 years, that inspired deeply Beirut's sound.
The band is known for songs like Santa Fe, East Harlem or Nantes.

This EP which has the same name as a very known track Elephant Gun was released in 2007, counting with 3 songs, making a total of 13:35. It's very obvious the French inspiration for this record, with Zach Condon mentioning French artists like Jacques Brel, Serge Gainsbourg and Yves Montand as big influences. It's also very rare to get the physical version of the EP, being released by 4AD records and available in a Beirut's gig.

The third track of the Elephant Gun, was recorded in a live session on KEXP radio, being followed by a very nice and warm Ukelele - usually found on Beirut's records.

The EP's artwork credits the John Wozencroft.

1. Elephant Gun (5:48) This song is a very successful one in terms of releases, appearing on Beirut's first EP Lon Gisland - released at the beginning of 2007 - and the self-titled EP. With a very gypsy sound, a very soft rhythmic section and a very nice trumpet, played by Condon. The song title is the name given to a hunting gun for elephants. Elephant Gun may be a protest against the killing of elephants, with the video reinforcing that idea. The video was directed by the Israelite video artist Alma Har'el, very known for her work with Zach Condon and Beirut, receiving an award for this video and several VMA nominations. With a very dramatic contemporary choreography, gives a lot of enthusiasm and focusing to the idea of drama.
   
   
   "If I was young, I'd flee this town
   I'd bury my dreams underground
   As did I, we drink to die, we drink tonight
   
   Far from home, elephant gun
   Let's take them down one by one
   We'll lay it down, it's not been found, it's not around"
   
   
2. Transatlantique (3:36) Introduced by a wonderful Ukelele played by Condon, very discreet drums and once again the cool trumpet. The song gives the idea of a past relationship, as the song develops we can see that it might be a closure, a final end to this relation, the end of a relationship of him comforting and protecting her. This song was first presented on this EP.
   
   
   
   "No, I couldn't tell you how the house burned down
   Last night while we were running around
   Midnight surrounds you, the moonlight makes you proud
   Last night, oh, we were running around"
   
   
3. Le Moribond/My Family's Role In The World Revolution (4:10) This is the unique live version track of this EP, being recorded during a KEXP live session's at Austin City Limits on March 16, 2007. Le Moribond is a Jacques Brel cover, keeping the original lyrics in French and the same up-beat tempo. This song has a lot of sarcasm and references of Brel wife's infidelity, not present on the English adaptations. Beirut kept the original essence, adding around 3:13 the instrumental piece composed by Condon, My Family's Role In The World Revolution. This song is mainly composed by metal wind instruments like trumpet, violins and a very "circus" percussion. 
   
   
   
   "Adieu l'Émile je vais mourir
   C'est dur de mourir au printemps tu sais
   Mais je pars aux fleurs la paix dans l'âme
   Car vu que tu es bon comme du pain blanc
   Je sais que tu prendras soin de ma femme"

Conclusion: A very short EP, with less than 15 minutes of music, but that time is not a waste. Gives you a full representation of Beirut, of different instruments. Celebrates music and life, Condon is a very pleasant and beautiful singer, with touches of pure and reckless, confirmed on the following records. It may be a difficult genre to listen but as soon as someone enjoys it, Beirut turns to a must-have artist at home.