(photo: matadorrecords.com)
There’s a laid back vibe about Julian Plenti is… Skyscraper one wouldn’t usually associate with Paul Banks in his day job as lead singer of Interpol. His alter-ego, the Julian Plenti self-referenced in his solo debut album title, isn’t exactly a lounge lizard, but his skinny tie is definitely loosened at the knot in comparison.
I wonder whether that’s a function of the pseudonym, or is the decision to use a “stage name”based on what the music sounds like? And why in God’s name do so many artists decide to release an album by not actually releasing it as themselves? Who do they think they’re fooling? Anyone remotely familiar with Interpol will recognize Banks’ voice within the opening seconds of any song here. Are we just supposed to wink and nod and go along with him? If every one knows that Julian Plenti is actually Paul Banks, then why bother being Julian Plenti? If Julian Plenti is more Paul Banks than Paul Banks is in Interpol, then let’s just call a spade a spade and a Banks a Banks.
Whoever he’s being today, one thing is certain, Julian Plenti is… Skyscraper is a bloody good record. Without abandoning or denying his art-rock background, Banks/Plenti drops the cool detachment and gets in your face and your ears. These songs come equipped with attitude and allure, like a hot chick who knows she’s hot but doesn’t let on she knows. There’s certainly some great texture and depth to “Skyscraper”, which makes up for what it lacks lyrically; “Games For Days” is a stuttering, edgy rocker, and comes as close to Interpol as it gets on here before it blasts off into as a full-out rock anthem; “On The Esplanade” maintains the edginess even though it’s plucked out on acoustic guitar. In a word: wicked.
Maybe I’m being too hard on the guy. Julain Plenti existed well before Interpol ever did, so maybe this return to a former alias is just Banks’ way of separating himself from the entity that is Interpol. I don’t blame him; when you name your band after an international crime-fighting organization you kind of wash out any distinction between individual band members. It doesn’t help when you all dress in black uniforms, either. If Plenti is Banks’ way of saying, “hey, I’m not just that guy in that band,” then so be it. Whether it’s by Julian, Paul, or hell, even Skyscraper, this album is officially on heavy rotation ’round these parts: …Skyscraper, I love you.
MP3: Julian Plenti “Games For Days”
MP3: Julian Plenti “Fun That We Have”
Myspace: Julian Plenti
2 Comments so far
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Julian is his middle name, so yeah it’s like that other part of him that’s hidden most of the time.
But also adults like to play games too, the coolest job is to be an artist, you dress up, pick a name to be recognized by that’s not your real name, it’s a child’s thing we never fully outgrow, it’s just fun I think…
i think it just has to do more with keeping peoples expectations in line.
if he were to just use paul banks then people would more directly correlate it to interpol. not that i find hes trying to seperate himself from the band but using a name thats entirely seperate from the interpol connection seems to open people i know to a different style of songs
Comment by Michael Ruffolo 08.27.09 @ 12:48 amLeave a comment
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