About
Julian Plenti is Paul Banks, best known for his other gig as lead singer for post-punk revivalists Interpol. Before churning out a solo album, Banks saw much success with his band, which already had three albums under its belt. His music under the name Julian Plenti was little heard of, though he'd been playing under the moniker off and on since 1998, around the same time Interpol formed in New York City. Nearly a decade later, he finally hooked up with Interpol's first label, Matador Records, to release his debut solo record, 2009's Julian Plenti Is ... Skyscraper. The album introduced a different side of Banks, albeit still dark. Softening the sharpness of Interpol's post-punk, Banks as Julian Plenti fills his melodies with layers of murky yet beautiful baroque instrumentation.
- Stephanie Benson
