While Interpol’s music is predictable and somewhat formulaic in its
reliance on a specific 1980s aesthetic, this debut from lead singer
Paul Banks is anything but. Complex, richly textured and varied, the
songs range from intimate instrumental interludes to layered, spacey
indie-rockers. There are few, if any, weak moments here, and Plenti
solo is a much more challenging and interesting listen than anything
his other band has offered. Some artists are better when they unshackle
themselves from their former identity and take a few chances.
This article appears in Sep 24-30, 2009.