Beirut's "The Rip Tide" is a captivating journey through the realms of chamber pop, baroque pop, and indie folk, released under the Pompeii Records label on August 30, 2011. Clocking in at a concise 33 minutes, this album is a masterful blend of intricate instrumentation and evocative storytelling. With tracks like "A Candle's Fire" and "Santa Fe," Beirut weaves a tapestry of sound that is both rich and intimate. The album's title track, "The Rip Tide," showcases the band's signature style, combining lush strings with folk-inspired melodies. "East Harlem" and "Goshen" offer a glimpse into Beirut's ability to craft songs that are both nostalgic and forward-looking. "Payne's Bay" and "The Peacock" highlight the band's knack for creating vivid, almost cinematic soundscapes. "Vagabond" and "Port of Call" round out the album with their infectious rhythms and memorable hooks. "The Rip Tide" is a testament to Beirut's unique ability to blend genres and create music that is both timeless and innovative.