Paul Banks

Those hankering for Interpol’s glacial, studied sonic intensity – relax – their frontman’s second outing as a solo star will tide you over till they knuckle down to writing their fifth album next year. In fact, his album, 'Banks', is actually better than Interpol’s last effort. Here the 34-year-old sounds reenergized, showcasing a surprising lightness and optimism hitherto unexplored in his songwriting.