After playing with Interpol on guitar and lead vocals for seven years, Paul Banks has just recently released his first solo album, Julian Plenti is…Skyscraper.  This new album, although not being a complete departure from Interpol’s sound with songs like “Games for Days” bringing back the punk rock feel that is Interpol’s norm, is a new direction for Banks and easily shows his artistic groove.

The album however also dwelves into a more airy side of Banks artistic nature.  The album is filled with songs which, while they may stray from the hard rock sound akin to Bank’s earlier work, are given to a lighter, wispy sound.  “Skyscraper” itself holds a great blend of sound, starting from a quite serenade and growing to a retaining storm of music.  Although the song itself only has four lines, it leaves the listener feeling much more depth than that.

If you’re already a fan of Bank’s and Interpol’s sounds, pick up this album.  If not, try “Skyscraper” and that’ll give you an overall feel for the album.