Banks
by Paul Banks
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: Oct 22, 2012
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 23
  3. Negative: 1 out of 23
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  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Nov 1, 2012
    83
    He's still an undisputed expert at cannily spinning his joy-divided spiderwebs. [2 Nov 2012, p.68]
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  2. Q Magazine
    Nov 21, 2012
    80
    The real delights are the dreamily sinister instrumental sections. [Dec 2012, p.100]
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  3. Mojo
    Oct 22, 2012
    80
    It makes a terrific album, stronger than Interpol's last two, with enough detail in the arrangement to separate Banks and his day job. [Nov 2012, p.95]
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  5. musicOMH.com
    Oct 22, 2012
    80
    It is personal without actually being personal.
  6. Under The Radar
    Oct 22, 2012
    80
    Banks allows an astonishing texture to flourish without trumping songcraft, as the accoutrements he adds serve to embellish his adroit arrangements.
  7. DIY Magazine
    Oct 19, 2012
    80
    It's a strong album and shows once and for all that Paul Banks doesn't need Interpol, Interpol needs him.
  8. Filter
    Oct 31, 2012
    72
    Banks' phantasms manage a construct a decent corporeal form.
  9. Blurt Magazine
    Nov 28, 2012
    70
    Anchored by the fantastic production of longtime Interpol collaborator Peter Katis, the incorporation of drum loops, sampled dialogue a la Primal Scream's "Loaded" and textural Books-esque embellishments on songs like "Arise Awake" and "Another Chance" offers the sense of sonic adventure Interpol never entertained.
  10. AllMusic
    Oct 30, 2012
    70
    On these songs Banks fashions more of an identity for himself as a solo artist outside of anything he's done before, and arguably works even harder here to separate himself from his established project. Some of Banks' songs feel unpredictable even after a few listens.
  11. Uncut
    Oct 26, 2012
    70
    Certainly, there's a familiarity here, the thin guitar lines and washes of synth, topped off with Banks' despondent croon, though in lyrical terms, there is a more confessional tone. [Dec 2012, p.67]
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  12. Consequence
    Oct 22, 2012
    70
    Banks succeeds in channeling the intensity of one man's regrets, ultimately looking outward and searching.
  13. Drowned In Sound
    Oct 22, 2012
    70
    It lacks cohesion, with eerie instrumentals featuring with gentle acoustic tracks, it is a noble attempt to progress a rather formulaic, albeit excellent, musical career.
  14. Magnet
    Dec 4, 2012
    65
    On Banks, he takes a decent pass at pop. [No. 93, p.54]
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  15. The Boston Phoenix
    Oct 24, 2012
    63
    Even though the album's zany unpredictability can be thrilling, it often feels like Banks is adorning vacant tunes ("Arise Awake," the plodding instrumental "Another Chance") with bells and whistles.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 23
  3. Negative: 2 out of 23
  1. Tokyochuchu
    Nov 18, 2012
    9
    Banks is a fantastically emotional and cohesive album from the Interpol frontman. The simple fact is that this album puts the last twoBanks is a fantastically emotional and cohesive album from the Interpol frontman. The simple fact is that this album puts the last two Interpol records to shame. It's atmosphere and lyrical content put it on another level.… Full Review »
  2. aethelyon
    Nov 13, 2012
    4
    I want so much to love this record because of my love of Banks, Interpol, and the original Julian Plenti record. But where there were faultsI want so much to love this record because of my love of Banks, Interpol, and the original Julian Plenti record. But where there were faults on the Julian Plenti LP that I would overlook, here it's hard to make excuses for the poorer arrangement when the best songs aren't that great. Where his words were once haunting and surreal, he's become more direct and boring. You can hear that he doesn't care what anyone else thinks- so much so that he's lost touch with aspiring to be something more. If this was his only record he would be forgotten faster than any other indie band coming out of Brooklyn today. Shame on his producer and Matador for not pushing a more talented and capable man.… Full Review »
  3. newtonfig
    Nov 5, 2012
    9
    Hard to believe anyone would go under 80 for this. When most of pitchfork's top 100 is recycled drivel and brian wilson tribute bands, thisHard to believe anyone would go under 80 for this. When most of pitchfork's top 100 is recycled drivel and brian wilson tribute bands, this album is so listenable. I cant stop listening to it, which is the first album in ages I can say that about. Detractors presumably thought Echo and the Bunnymen were throwaways as well… Full Review »
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