Search - Julian Plenti :: Julian Plenti Is Skyscraper

Interpol Part 2

Greg Kinne | midwest | 08/04/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Pseudonyms and side groups are some of the signs that a musician has made it and can release off shoots without damaging their main brand. Paul Banks of Interpol is the latest to cash in on the phenomena in the moodier guise of Julian Plenti. On "Julian Plenti. Is...Skyscraper" Banks fleshes out songs that had been growing moldy in his archives. What's surprising is that the songs that had been previously left for dead are infinitesimally more interesting than Interpol's last studio album "Our Love To Admire." Freed from the constraints and expectations of that band (brand), Banks cuts loose on an album that holds its own among the highlights of Interpol's career.



"Julian Plenti Is...Skyscraper" is not much a departure in sound or scope from Bank's somber songwriting skills that were first demonstrated on "Turn On The Bright Lights." The feeling of dread and despair is evident on most of these tracks as Banks can effectively portray himself as just another lost soul struggling to make it in these dire times. "Only If You Run" offers a solution in the form of drug-induced escapism that some might find palpable depending on the circumstance. On the other hand, "Fun That We Have" follows as the hangover heavy reality that there is no escape from the continuing monotony and daily malaise.



The strings and sampled accents of "Skyscraper" are a nice touch that doesn't detract from the underlying delicate acoustic guitar work. The most Interpol-like song amongst this lot is the fragmented and brooding "Games For Days." "Games For Days" features a great vocal and an overtly searing guitar that has been somewhat absent on this album. "Madrid Song" breaks the album into side 1 and 2 and feels a bit like filler. After that it seems like the album falters and it's not until the unhealthy yearning of "Girl on the Sporting News" where it recovers. Things get a bit angsty and experimental on the angular "Fly As You Might" which acts as the closing song on "Julian Plenti Is...Skyscraper." After "Fly As You Might" ends, song "H" appears as nothing more than a piano led filler which might symbolize the curtains finally closing on "Julian Plenti." Overall, "Julian Plenti Is...Skyscraper" is an interesting affair that provides new life to these old songs."

Strong and Energetic

StevenR | Rockville, MD | 08/04/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album of Interpol's Julian Plenti is outstanding. I actually like this record much better than the Interpol albums.

The songs are very strong and energetic. Great guitars and other instrumentation."

Interpol this isn't

Simon Whittle | San Francisco, CA | 08/13/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"For anyone that may claim this is the "missing" Interpol album or other such things I have to disagree. Maybe these songs were thrown out by the band to record, but, the sound of the album is a distinct departure from what's gone before.



Lyrically it's still melancholic but the music provides a great backdrop for the vocals. The use of acoustic guitars and strings gets well away from the heavy bass lines and effects of Interpol's work.



With its own distinct sound and personality the album is a resounding first release for a talented vocalist that so many already know and love. I'm looking forward to the live dates that are promised."