Paul Banks

This was my first time seeing Paul Banks solo and I could not believe what an intimate setting it was! It was a very simplistic show and minimal lights but seeing Paul Banks that close was unreal. He played a lot from his new album Banks and a lot from his Julian Plenti album too which really surprised me for some reason. Everyone that was in the audience was simply there to see him play to so it was a great atmosphere too. This man can do no wrong. Not to mention the Neighbourhood opened for them and it's been a love affair ever since for me.

(1) I can't give more than 5 stars... (ROBBED!) and, (2) The band could have made an effort to connect with the audience *during* the show... but, that never happened (!?!) Given the intimate/close nature of the venue, it would have been quite easy. Yet, due to the AMAZING, tight set... they're forgiven! ;) PS If you're wondering... this band sounds even BETTER live than you could imagine. If you get the chance --> GO!

Paul's last US gig to support second solo album, "Banks." A great show and Paul seemed in good spirits and played well. And nice lights!

Paul Banks was great! His voice is amazing, always stellar! :)

I've been a fan of Interpol for as long as I can recall, unfortunately they haven't toured as a band for a while now. When Paul Banks announced he was having a tour, I just knew I had to be in the crowd. All I an say is that he blew me away with an amazing and unforgettable performance. His charisma along with the vibe in the crowd were priceless! His setlist included a mix of his older and more recent stuff. Every song played was followed up with chanting and a million applauses. Paul Banks even played an extra 2 songs for his encore. I'm still in shock of how perfect this night was and still can't process that I actually saw him perform live!

The concert started out with an unknown (at least to me) band named EFG. Unfortunately the way EFG opened with absolutely no connection to the audience continued throughout their opening set. Nothing special outside of the drummer's unique beats and clearly original stylings (he kicked ass.) This could be a great band if they lear to find their connection to an audience, I might as well have watched a video because it was the same feeling of disconnect- not just for me but the whole audience. Photo below. A lonnnnnng wait between acts was then somewhat forgiven when the next band came on. The Neighbourhood- was FAB. An excellent young Indie band on the rise IMHO. Excellent connection with the audience as well as a strong unit playing together. Everything was positive about these boys. The look= Modern Hipsters with a delicate dash of 80's band, The Cure. These guys will grow in popularity undoubtedly with the young yearning babes who crave the catharsis found in their "dark wave" infused lyrics. Another long wait...really? So unnecessary. Paul Banks Being an interpol fan and after absolutely LOVING the Julian Plenti show in Brooklyn in November 2009, this was kind of a disappointment frankly. Where Banks was really present and passionate with his music in '09- his lackluster at the Fonda didn't paint him in the brightest light. Which reminds me... the lighting was terrible for this show. The paparazzo and fans that had flash on their cameras did well coming away with some interesting shots- however, Banks' face was consistently in the dark with exception of lighting changes that painted him somewhat holy in shards of 'sunlight" on the song Arise, Awake. See photos below. I personally found getting out of the claustrophobic crowd up front and finding open space in back by the bar was a better way to groove to the sounds that made me come to the concert in the 1st place. But again, I could have just as well rented a dance studio for half the price of the tickets, ditched the overhead halogens, and grooved there in the same lousy lighting listening to Banks/Banks on iPod. In case the artist forgot, the point of a concert is to do something a little different sound wise than what we hear on the regular albums, to connect in some way with the audience like you did in 2009- and if it was just a "dour" night for you and you were feeling lousy, then fracking TELL US, we will love you more and you will inadvertently give a better performance. Whatev. That's all folks.

So his shows are always awesome. I love this guy he makes my ears tingle. Did I say his shows are always awesome? Okay some people may not know this but if you wait an hour after the show near the back or with the fans that want to meet him.. he WILL come out. He makes it a point to come out and meet and gree the fans and take pictures and sign. So it is WORTH the stay. I took pictures w/him and I was able to say how grateful I am for his music...solo or with his band Interpol. AMAZING that he actually cares for his fans.!

PB's voice was crisp and smooth as always. The intimate venue made the harmonies all the more tight.

the venue itself is something to be desired but thankfully the music made up for it. The entire band was stellar!

Paul played hits from his latest solo album as well as his previous one under the monicker Julian Plenti. The crowd was a decent size but not so huge that my fiancee and I couldn't move around comfortably. Paul's voice sounded great and he was in to it in front of his home NYC crowd!

Great show! Paul has an incredible voice and the sound was just perfect. Also i was very impressed with the lights who were the cherry on the top.

The show was amazing . I had a great time. I took my husband but I really wished I would have taken someone who would have appreciate it much more. I love Interpol so anything they do solo I am on board with. The show was on a weekday so it was good amount of time. If it were a weekend I would have loved for the show to be much longer. Down side was that the beer was expensive.

A bit on the mellow side. Inspirational, meaningful songwriting. Fantastic melodies! He came on much later than anticipated. Very bored and unimpressed by both opening bands. 11:30 was too late to hear Paul Banks.

Paul and the rest of the group were amazing. I was really impressed with his vocals. You definitely won't be disappointed if you decide to go to one of his shows.

Great show. Great acoustics. Best seats were on the balchony. Very pleased!

Paul Banks was bloody brilliant! The voice, the suit, the atmosphere; all remarkable.

IT WAS SOOOOOOOOOOO GOOD !!! but to short :( ..he should play the whole night :D