Album Review: Julian Plenti is Skyscaper

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This solo debut from Julian Plenti, aka Interpol frontman Paul Banks, manages to annoy and beguile at the same time. Having discovered Logic Pro music production software, Plenti composes from an innovative multi-instrumental palate. There’s a wide range of genres referenced, from folk to grunge – the trouble is that some of it sounds too programmed and unnatural. Songs seem to fall into two broad camps: the robotic, computerised and lifeless such as on the opening two tracks, or the mellow, melodic and quirky, of which ‘Madrid Song’ and the achingly beautiful ‘On the Esplanade’ are among the best.