Banks & Steelz - Anything But Words


Banks & Steelz
Anything But Words
2016
Spotify

On paper this looks like another link up between a big rock star and a rap star for another round of some decent tunes but not the best from either. However this project from Paul Banks of Interpol and RZA of the Wu Tang Clan is different. This is not just two stars coming together for a quick cash grab, this feels meticulous, concise and has a clear musical direction. This is not Paul Banks' first attempt at making beats, there were hints of it on both of his solo records, but with a very huge lean towards the Interpol sound. That spirit is still here on this record, but RZA's voice twists it and mutates it in to real deal hip hop. "Sword in the Stone" is one of those live instrumentation tracks that usually end up having a more upbeat and happy vibe, but here RZA and Banks are able to mine a great deal of nervous energy and keep the listener off kilter. "Wild Season" with features some haunting vocals from Florence Welch is the most indie rock of all the tracks and the one that really showss RZA stretching his legs rather than Paul coming to him. With both artists willing to step out of their zones leads to some stellar risks that really do pay off.

The real star of the album is "Conceal" who's production is simply incredible. This is one of those tracks that you would never hear from either artist on their own, but when they come together it really is magical. Ghostface Killah lends a really great verse to Banks & Steelz on "Love and War" and at the end a jazzy trumpet takes us out. The music on Anything But Words is so unique and vibrant. All at once the sound is moody and brooding but also sounds like you could really have a good time with it. "Can't Hardly Feel" seems like the first real misstep on the album. It doesn't have the energy to push it forward and be more in your face, and the fading quality it has never really lets you grab on. "Gonna Make It" with an intro from John F. Kennedy is almost reminiscent of Public Service Broadcasting and their Race for Space, it even has some of the same musical elements, but RZA makes sure it is not a direct copy with his verses. This music really is great, but I get the sense that it may not be for everyone because it is so complex and includes so many different elements from start to finish. But do not allow this record to pass you by, it is far to interesting to let slip.

8.1 out of 10

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