Band: Julian Plenti
Label: Matador
Release: 2009

1. “Only If You Run” – 9.8
2. “Fun That We Have” – 9.5
3. “Skyscraper” – 9.5
4. “Games For Days” – 9.8
5. “Madrid Song” – 9.1
6. “No Chance Survival” – 9.3
7. “Unwind” – 9.5
8. “Girl on the Sporting News” – 9.3
9. “On the Esplanade” – 9.6
10. “Fly As You Might” – 9.7
11. “H” – 9.0

Comments: Paul Banks is down to serious business with this, which is seriously amazing. The critics hit the mark when they categorize this as part folk, part pounding art rock. A lot of it is better than Interpol — and that’s saying a lot.

Grade: 9.5