Show Review & Photos: Julian Plenti @ Chop Suey
Paul Banks is one of my favorite singers. He also happens to be one of my favorite lyricists and songwriters so he’s a complete musical package. What a thrilling joy it was to see him perform as part of Julian Plenti last night at Chop Suey, an intimate and dark venue, perfectly suited for the intense, passionate rapture this band has created.
Julian Plenti
The show (only the second of the tour) included all songs off the debut album Julian Plenti Is . . . Skyscraper. I reviewed the CD earlier this year and it’s such a satisfying piece. If I need to pick some of my favorite songs from last night I would select Skyscraper, No Chance Survival and Fun That We Have. It was an exquisite performance and I need to point out cellist Yoed Nir’s work as adding even more depth to the warm pull of Julian Plenti’s music.
A couple surprises took the form of the songs Goodbye Toronto and a cover of America’s A Horse with No Name. Goodbye Toronto began with Banks singing Let It Snow and then launching into Goodbye Toronto (Christmas Song). I am a big fan of Christmas music and a Paul Banks Christmas song? A dream come true. I am serious. I also loved the cover of A Horse with No Name, a song from 1972 which really sounded perfect done by Banks.
Photos (more on their way):
all photos by Dagmar
