Julian Plenti Is... Skyscraper
by Julian Plenti
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: Aug 4, 2009
Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 20
  3. Negative: 2 out of 20
  1. Drowned In Sound
    60
    Just as Interpol always seemed like a good imitation of a great rock band (no-one in particular, just A Great Rock Band, with all its slogans and hooks, and gestures and shapes), Julian Plenti does a fairly good imitation of a solo-artist showing his sensitive side.
  2. NOW Magazine
    60
    This could be a glimpse of a post-Interpol Banks or a hint at a musical transition within the band. It’s worth a listen either way.
  3. No Ripcord
    60
    Much of it is quieter, cinematic, and, of course, better than Our Love to Admire. Thank God. Sometimes we are impressed by not being miserably disappointed again.
  5. Rolling Stone
    60
    With this solo alter ego, he digs into his gloomy-balladeer side.
  6. PopMatters
    40
    All in all, Julian Plenti is...Skyscrapper comes across as more of an afterthought.
  7. Uncut
    40
    Skyscraper is largely drab, despite Banks experimenting with beats, samples and chamber pop orchestration. [Sep 2009, p.90]
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User Reviews

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User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. LeahT
    Aug 5, 2009
    8
    A solid, decent album. A cool listen. Yes, his voice still has "INTERPOL" written all over it...but there's an inventiveness here that A solid, decent album. A cool listen. Yes, his voice still has "INTERPOL" written all over it...but there's an inventiveness here that is all his own.… Full Review »
  2. Ricko
    Feb 2, 2012
    7
    It's got some decent moments on without doubt and it would have been great if some of these ideas were expanded on by Interpol. Still, it's aIt's got some decent moments on without doubt and it would have been great if some of these ideas were expanded on by Interpol. Still, it's a bit thin and a bit dreary at times. An EP of this stuff would have probably sufficed. Only if you Run belongs on an Interpol album big time - feels a bit wasted on this record. Great track.… Full Review »
  3. Armington
    Nov 28, 2010
    7
    Much better than Interpol's last two efforts. Where Interpol on their 3rd and 4th albums have stuttered and stunted all progress by trying toMuch better than Interpol's last two efforts. Where Interpol on their 3rd and 4th albums have stuttered and stunted all progress by trying to do the same old trick over and over, at least here Banks is trying to take his sound in new directions. It's not always great but it is often very, very good. A pleasant surprise… Full Review »
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