Beirut - A Study of Losses (Album Review)

Beirut’s seventh album had an unusual starting point. ‘A Study of Losses’ was prompted by Zach Condon falling under the spell of unfamiliar art, having been commissioned to write the soundtrack for an acrobatic stage show by Swedish circus Kompani Giraff, itself inspired by German writer Judith Schalansky’s novel Verzeichnis Einiger Verluste.

In each chapter of her book, Schalansky loosely explores one of 12 of the world’s losses, from caspian tigers, a subspecies said to be extinct in 2003, to Tuanaki, a vanished group of islets. These form the titles of core tracks on the album, and like the book the song’s lyrics often have a tangential link to their name. 

Sappho’s Poems is led by a sombre organ, with Condon musing on lost love as he references the Greek god of love and the poet whose work is mostly lost to time. “Ran away to Eros, babe, and from off of the fire I came,” he sings.  

Forest Encyclopedia, meanwhile, evokes a tropical island. Opening with rhythmic percussion, later joined by a gentle steel string guitar, it sets the listener out on a journey, asking the question: “Had I come back, what would I see?” It’s a peaceful and hopeful song, with a hint of sadness from Condon’s haunting vocals. 

Villa Sacchetti’s sound is inspired by its Mediterranean namesake — a lost Italian villa, the theme further cemented as Condon observes. “And ivy lines and fallen stones, remember how we called it home?”

Condon’s orchestral pop, which takes influence from European folk music, feels a natural partner to soundtrack a circus troupe. Instruments he commonly uses, such as accordion, harmonica, organ and trumpet, carry the jaunty air of a vaudeville show. 

At 18 tracks ‘A Study of Losses’ is Condon’s longest album to date but it is studded with short interludes, initially developed to ensure the soundtrack covered the length of the performance, that prove to be highlights. The opening instrumental Disappearances and Losses, is an atmospheric soundscape that transports you to an otherworldly place. Oceanus Procellarum, though, occupies amournful space, with deep cello vibrations shifting the mood to one of solitude and contemplation. 

Condon uses synth to add a new dimension to his palette — they pulse during Guericke’s Unicorn and oscillate in Ghost Train, increasing a sense of uncanniness that’s baked into the songs. The only issue is that they do not blend seamlessly with the other tracks, perhaps reflecting the fact that they were not written at the same time.  

‘A Study of Losses’ is a soulful meditation on impermanence in all its forms, supported by some of the most beautiful music Condon has composed to date. There’s a richness of ideas across the album that’s a joy to explore and the overall experience is poignant.

Beirut Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:

Thu May 08 2025 - LONDON O2 Academy Brixton
Fri May 09 2025 - LONDON Troxy

Compare & Buy Beirut Tickets at Stereoboard.com.

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