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Anything But Words
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| Anything But Words | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | August 26, 2016 | |||
| Recorded | 2013–2015 | |||
| Studio |
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| Genre | East Coast hip hop | |||
| Length | 55:14 | |||
| Label | Warner Bros. | |||
| Producer | ||||
| Paul Banks chronology | ||||
| ||||
| RZA chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from Anything But Words | ||||
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Anything But Words is the debut studio album by Banks & Steelz, a collaborative project between Interpol vocalist Paul Banks and Wu-Tang Clan member RZA. It was released August 26, 2016, on Warner Bros. Records. Recording of the album dates back to 2013, with a demo of early material being created two years prior. Anything But Words features guest appearances by other musicians, as well as other Wu-Tang Clan members, and additional production from Ari Levine and Andrew Wyatt, among others. Five singles were released from the album; "Love and War", featuring Ghostface Killah, "Giant", "Speedway Sonora", "Sword in the Stone", featuring Kool Keith, and "Anything But Words".
Background and recording
[edit]When asked by his manager who he would like to work together with musically, RZA responded with Interpol member Paul Banks. When asked about his choice in a 2013 Rolling Stone interview, RZA stated that Banks "just has an energy about him" and that "it [would] be great" if the two were to collaborate.[1] In 2011, during which the duo were not planning on making an album together, a demo of material was created with Banks providing vocals over a beat developed by RZA.[2] The first public mention of the duo's collaborations was made in the same Rolling Stone interview. It was during 2013 that the duo began working on an album together.[1] RZA expected the album to take about a year to finish.[3] During 2014, Banks' main project Interpol recorded a studio album titled El Pintor, which was then released in September of that year.[4][5] The duo wanted to release their material in 2015, but later realized that the material was unfinished.[3]
Release and promotion
[edit]The duo premiered the album's lead single, "Love and War", featuring fellow Wu-Tang Clan member Ghostface Killah, on the Apple Music radio station Beats 1.[6][7] A video for the song, which pays tribute to a scene from the film Reservoir Dogs, was also released the following day.[8][9] Details for Anything But Words, as well as tour dates, were released on June 9. Also released on that day was the album's second single, "Giant".[10][11] "Speedway Sonora" was released as the album's third single on July 14.[12][13] "Sword in the Stone", featuring rapper Kool Keith, was released as the album's fourth single on July 28[14] and the album's title track was released as the fifth single on August 12.[15]
Track listing
[edit]All songs produced by Paul Banks and RZA except where noted. Credits adapted from AllMusic.[16]
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s)[19] | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Giant" |
| 3:52 | |
| 2. | "Ana Electronic" |
| 3:44 | |
| 3. | "Sword in the Stone" (featuring Kool Keith) |
| Andrew Wyatt | 4:50 |
| 4. | "Speedway Sonora" |
| 4:15 | |
| 5. | "Wild Season" (featuring Florence Welch) |
| 4:26 | |
| 6. | "Anything But Words" |
|
| 4:21 |
| 7. | "Conceal" |
| 3:59 | |
| 8. | "Love and War" (featuring Ghostface Killah) |
| 4:09 | |
| 9. | "Can't Hardly Feel" |
| 4:33 | |
| 10. | "One by One" |
| 4:48 | |
| 11. | "Gonna Make It" |
| 5:46 | |
| 12. | "Point of View" (featuring Method Man and Masta Killa) |
| 6:31 | |
| Total length: | 55:14 | |||
Charts
[edit]| Chart (2016) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK R&B Albums (OCC)[20] | 18 |
| US Billboard 200[21] | 186 |
| US Top Alternative Albums (Billboard)[22] | 15 |
| US Top Rap Albums (Billboard)[23] | 11 |
| US Top Rock Albums (Billboard)[24] | 16 |
Release history
[edit]| Country | Date | Format | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worldwide | August 26, 2016 | Warner Bros. |
Notes and references
[edit]Notes
- ^ a b Also an executive producer
References
- ^ a b Zemler, Emily (October 8, 2013). "RZA on His New Movies and Recording With Paul Banks". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on October 9, 2013. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
- ^ Jackson, Reed (June 22, 2016). "Two Music Geeks: RZA and Paul Banks Explain What the Hell They're Doing with Banks & Steelz". Noisey. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
- ^ a b Horowitz, Steven J. (June 9, 2016). "RZA, Interpol's Paul Banks Talk Meeting in the Middle as Banks and Steelz". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
- ^ "El Pintor on Matador Records". Retrieved July 5, 2016.
- ^ Minsker, Evan; Camp, Zoe (June 5, 2014). "Interpol Announce New Album El Pintor". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
- ^ Lowe, Zane (May 19, 2016). "World First: Banks & Steelz feat. Ghostface Killah – "Love & War"". Apple Music. Archived from the original on September 23, 2016. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
- ^ Phillips, Amy (May 18, 2016). "Interpol's Paul Banks and Wu-Tang's RZA Are Banks and Steelz". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
- ^ Pearce, Sheldon (May 20, 2016). "RZA and Interpol's Paul Banks Pay Tribute to Reservoir Dogs in "Love + War" Video". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
- ^ Murphy, Sarah (May 20, 2016). "Banks & Steelz "Love + War" (ft. Ghostface Killah) (video)". Exclaim!. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
- ^ Brodsky, Rachel (June 9, 2016). "RZA and Paul Banks (Banks & Steelz) to Release Collaborative Album, 'Anything But Words'". Spin. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
- ^ Bowe, Miles (June 9, 2016). "Interpol's Paul Banks and RZA announced new LP, share 'Giant'". Fact. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
- ^ Lozano, Kevin (July 14, 2016). "RZA and Interpol's Paul Banks Share New Song "Speedway Sonora": Listen". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
- ^ Trewn, Pranav (July 14, 2016). "Banks & Steelz – "Speedway Sonora"". Stereogum. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
- ^ Madden, Sidney (July 28, 2016). "Banks & Steelz Premiere "Sword in the Stone" Featuring Kool Keith". XXL. Retrieved August 3, 2016.
- ^ Brodsky, Rachel (August 12, 2016). "Banks & Steelz Share Album Title Track, 'Anything But Words'". Spin. Retrieved August 15, 2016.
- ^ "Anything but Words – Banks & Steelz". AllMusic. Retrieved August 26, 2016.
- ^ "Anything But Words by Banks & Steelz". iTunes U.S. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
- ^ "Banks & Steelz (Paul Banks and RZA) – Anything But Words (2xLP)". Fatbeats. Retrieved July 6, 2016.
- ^ Anything But Words (album liner notes). Banks & Steelz. Warner Bros. Records. 2016.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ "Official R&B Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved September 3, 2016.
- ^ "Banks & Steelz Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved September 7, 2016.
- ^ "Banks & Steelz Chart History (Top Alternative Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved September 7, 2016.
- ^ "Banks & Steelz Chart History (Top Rap Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved September 7, 2016.
- ^ "Banks & Steelz Chart History (Top Rock Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved September 7, 2016.
External links
[edit]
Anything But Words
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Project Background
Formation of Banks & Steelz
Paul Banks, the vocalist and guitarist of the indie rock band Interpol, and RZA, the renowned producer and leader of the hip-hop collective Wu-Tang Clan, first connected in 2011 through RZA's manager, who was an avid fan of Interpol and facilitated their introduction at the tequila bar Mayahuel in New York City's East Village.[10] During this initial encounter, the two bonded over their mutual interest in chess, with RZA challenging Banks to a future game, and later shared a meal at RZA's favorite handmade noodle shop in Chinatown, joined by RZA's martial arts instructor, which helped establish their personal rapport.[10] This meeting marked the beginning of their friendship, rooted in shared New York music industry ties and a common creative curiosity despite their divergent genre backgrounds. By late 2011, their casual interactions evolved into musical experimentation, as Banks provided vocals over beats produced by RZA, resulting in early rough demos that captured an unpolished blend of styles.[11] These initial sessions were informal and low-pressure, often occurring amid their chess games and discussions, allowing them to explore synergies without formal commitments.[11] In 2013, the partnership gained momentum when RZA publicly revealed their collaboration onstage at the Bedrocktoberfest event in Los Angeles, shortly after his performance, signaling their intent to develop the project further.[12] This announcement, coupled with interest from an A&R representative in their demos, solidified their decision to formalize the duo as Banks & Steelz, envisioning a hip-hop and rock hybrid that drew from Banks's indie sensibilities and RZA's production techniques. The project's unique identity emerged from the complementary influences of their genres: Banks's roots in post-punk and indie rock infused the work with melodic introspection and guitar-driven energy, while RZA's hip-hop foundation brought layered beats, sampling, and rhythmic complexity.[10] Banks, a longtime hip-hop devotee raised on diverse sounds, bridged the gap by adapting his vocal style to rap-inflected flows, whereas RZA, who had recently delved deeper into rock through influences like a vast iPod collection of the genre, incorporated alternative structures into his beats.[10] This cross-pollination, evident even in their earliest demos, set the stage for Banks & Steelz as a genre-fusing outlet, with the name "Steelz" derived from RZA's longtime alias Bobby Steels.[11]Concept and Influences
Banks & Steelz, the collaborative project between Interpol's Paul Banks and Wu-Tang Clan's RZA, aimed to fuse rock instrumentation with hip-hop production techniques, creating an organic hybrid that transcended traditional genre boundaries. This vision emerged from their shared desire for creative experimentation, where Banks contributed guitar-driven rock elements and RZA layered sparse, sample-heavy beats reminiscent of 1970s soul and funk grooves, as heard in tracks like "Conceal" with its lounge-funk vibe. The duo's approach emphasized personal fulfillment over commercial expectations, allowing them to explore dramatic soundscapes that blended moody atmospheres with gritty rhythms, drawing directly from Banks' longstanding fascination with hip-hop production and beat-making, which he had experimented with prior to the collaboration.[13][14][11] Central to the album's influences were the contrasting aesthetics of their respective backgrounds: Wu-Tang Clan's raw, gritty hip-hop ethos combined with Interpol's atmospheric post-punk rock, resulting in a sound that evoked urban intensity and introspective depth. Specific nods included Banks' early exposure to hip-hop icons like N.W.A., which shaped his lyrical style, and RZA's recent appreciation for rock artists such as Leonard Cohen, whose poetic minimalism informed the project's emotional layering. Guest appearances, such as Ghostface Killah on "Love + War," further amplified Wu-Tang's narrative-driven grit, while the overall palette incorporated experimental elements akin to 1990s alt-hip-hop and indie rock influences like John Frusciante's guitar work.[10][15] RZA played a pivotal role in conceptualizing Anything But Words as a "cinematic" experience, infusing the tracks with film-score-like elements through his production philosophy of sparse, atmospheric beats and soul-sampled textures that evoke storytelling and visual drama—a hallmark of his work since Wu-Tang's early albums. This vision was informed by his multi-instrumental contributions, including piano and guitar, alongside Banks, fostering a balanced partnership that mirrored buddy-movie dynamics. Their personal experiences, from RZA's Brooklyn-rooted survivalist mindset to Banks' nomadic childhood across the U.S. and abroad, imbued the project with an experimental ethos centered on resilience and mutual inspiration, solidified through years of casual jam sessions and shared interests like chess.[15][10]Production Process
Songwriting and Collaboration
The collaborative songwriting process for Anything But Words centered on a symbiotic partnership between RZA and Paul Banks, where RZA primarily developed beats and production concepts using his signature sampling techniques, while Banks layered in lyrics, melodies, and vocal improvisations.[12][11] This division allowed RZA to draw from his hip-hop roots, creating gritty, sample-driven foundations that Banks then adapted with indie rock sensibilities, fostering a natural genre fusion without forced categorization.[16] Key sessions unfolded organically, often starting with RZA presenting beat CDs or live drum machine jams, prompting Banks to freestyle vocals on the spot and co-write tracks in real time.[11][16] For instance, during a London session, Banks improvised over RZA's beats to shape "Love & War," which later incorporated contributions from guest artist Ghostface Killah, adding layered verses that enriched the track's narrative flow.[16] Similarly, Mela Machinko's input on "Point of View" emerged from collaborative exchanges, where her vocals intertwined with Banks' melodies to expand the song's rhythmic scope.[11] Songs evolved iteratively from initial demos—some dating back to 2011 casual jams—to polished versions through repeated back-and-forth refinements, emphasizing improvisation to capture spontaneous energy.[11][12] RZA noted that Banks' additions, like a bridge to the title track, helped transition rough ideas into cohesive structures, while the process avoided overplanning to preserve creative fluidity.[11] A hallmark of their dynamics was how RZA's sampling—such as pulling from 1970s soul records for "Love & War"—directly influenced Banks' vocal delivery, pushing him to match the beats' intensity with more rhythmic, narrative-driven phrasing.[12] Banks described this as exploratory, stating, "RZA’s production pushed me to explore new vocal territories," resulting in a hybrid style where hip-hop grooves met rock's melodic tension.[16] This interplay not only defined tracks like "Giant," with its cinematic samples inspiring Banks' soaring hooks, but also underscored the project's emphasis on mutual inspiration over rigid roles.[11]Recording Sessions
The recording sessions for Anything But Words primarily took place at Electric Lady Studios in New York City, the Record Plant in Hollywood, and a private studio in Malibu, California.[17] Work on the album began in 2013, evolving from informal jam sessions between RZA and Paul Banks that rapidly yielded 10 to 12 initial tracks; these efforts expanded into a larger body of material, with the final 12 songs selected from 22 to 23 recorded pieces, including additional overdubs completed in late stages.[17][11] RZA and Paul Banks served as primary producers, handling much of the instrumentation and arrangement themselves, with key contributions from external collaborators such as Andrew Wyatt (on "Wild Season"), Kid Harpoon (on "Giant"), Ari Levine, and John Hill (on "Giant").[17][18][6] Guest artists provided their recordings during later sessions, often at Banks's invitation; these included Wu-Tang Clan affiliates Ghostface Killah (on "Love + War"), Method Man, and Masta Killa, as well as Florence Welch (on "Wild Season") and Kool Keith (on "Sword in the Stone").[17] A central challenge was integrating live elements—such as Banks's guitar and piano work—with electronic production and hip-hop beats, achieved through an organic, collaborative approach that emphasized natural overlaps between rock, soul, and rap rather than rigid genre fusion; the duo also navigated decisions to exclude more experimental or "edgy" tracks that might not resonate broadly, prioritizing structured professionalism over pure improvisation.[17][11]Musical Content
Genre and Style
Anything But Words is primarily classified as a rap-rock album, blending alternative hip-hop with indie rock influences derived from RZA's Wu-Tang Clan roots and Paul Banks' Interpol background.[13][19] The sound features boom-bap-inspired beats alongside prominent guitar riffs and electronic textures, creating a seamless fusion where hip-hop verses transition into rock choruses.[20][21] The production, largely handled by RZA and Banks, incorporates RZA's signature sampling techniques layered with live drums, programmed percussion, and synth elements for a dynamic texture.[20][19] Tracks like "Conceal" highlight funky basslines and guitar solos, while "Speedway Sonora" employs post-punk guitar riffs reminiscent of 1980s influences.[21][20] Standout stylistic elements include atmospheric builds, as heard in the dramatic crescendos of "Giant," which evoke OutKast-like stylings with its energetic progression.[13][20] Overall, the album's slick, subtle production lends a cinematic quality, akin to scores for Baz Luhrmann films or HBO dramas, distinguishing it from more overt rap-rock contemporaries.[13][21]Themes and Lyrics
The album Anything But Words explores central themes of urban life, introspection, love, and social commentary, often conveyed through abstract and poetic language that blends metaphorical imagery with raw narrative drive. Urban life emerges prominently in tracks like "Giant," where RZA delivers streetwise reflections on media misrepresentation of city experiences, rapping lines such as "Fuck CNN, this is ghetto editorial" to critique external perceptions of inner-city realities. Similarly, social commentary weaves through the lyrics, addressing societal tensions and resilience in a New York context that both artists draw from their backgrounds—RZA's gritty Wu-Tang roots and Banks' brooding Interpol sensibility. Love appears as a complex, battle-like force in "Love + War," portraying relationships as fraught with conflict and emotional warfare, while introspection dominates in songs like "Speedway Sonora," where Banks' verses evoke detached self-examination amid personal isolation.[22][3][17] Paul Banks' contributions provide introspective, poetic verses that contrast sharply with RZA's more direct, street-oriented flows, creating a dynamic tension that underscores the album's thematic depth. Banks often employs abstract phrasing to delve into emotional vulnerability, as seen in his bridge on the title track: "We always fight blind the light of our lives," evoking a dreamlike struggle between illusion and truth. In contrast, RZA's lyrics in the same song reflect on life's roles—priest, king, or warrior—questioning personal legacy with lines like "Was it a good life that I’ve been doing?" while sitting "on the porch, smoking a stogie in the moonlight," blending bravado with existential reality. This interplay highlights bravery in facing harsh truths, with Banks' higher, melodic delivery adding a layer of internal contemplation to RZA's fired-up, rhythmic bark.[11][10][3] Guest lyrics enhance the album's motifs, particularly through hip-hop affiliates who inject raw edge into the collaborative fabric. Ghostface Killah's verse on "Love + War" amplifies the theme of relational strife with vivid, narrative-driven storytelling, portraying love as a gritty urban skirmish that aligns with RZA's style while challenging Banks' more ethereal approach. Other guests, such as Method Man and Masta Killa on "Point of View," contribute Shaolin-infused commentary on perspective and survival, reinforcing social undercurrents without overshadowing the core duo.[22][17][13] Overall, the lyrics form a narrative arc depicting a journey from introspective dreams and personal reflection—evident in early tracks like "One by One," with its atmospheric musing on inner drives—to confronting harsh realities and collective endurance in later cuts like "Giant" and the title track. This progression mirrors the artists' own evolution, from isolated songwriting to unified resilience, using poetic abstraction to bridge their disparate worlds without resolving into simplistic triumph.[10][11][22]Release and Promotion
Singles and Media
The lead single from Anything But Words, "Giant", was released digitally on June 9, 2016, through Warner Bros. Records.[23] Produced by John Hill and Kid Harpoon, the track blends post-punk guitar riffs with sparse, skeletal beats, showcasing the duo's fusion of rock and hip-hop elements.[24] An official music video for "Giant", directed by Wendy Morgan, premiered on July 26, 2016.[25] The clip features Banks and RZA performing energetically amid urban back-alleys and abandoned buildings in New York City, capturing a raw, street-level intensity that aligns with the album's overarching cinematic and narrative-driven aesthetic.[24] Prior to "Giant", the duo debuted with "Love + War" featuring Ghostface Killah, released as a single on May 19, 2016.[26] The song, which leans into rap-rock dynamics with Ghostface's gritty verses over driving instrumentation, was accompanied by an official video directed by the collective Arms Race and released on May 20, 2016.[27] This visual pays homage to Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs, depicting a tense, stylized standoff among suited figures to evoke themes of conflict and camaraderie.[28] The title track "Anything But Words" served as the final pre-album single, released digitally on August 12, 2016.[29] An official audio preview was shared on the duo's YouTube channel, highlighting its atmospheric production and lyrical interplay without a full music video.[30] Promotional media for the singles included behind-the-scenes content such as NME's "Song Stories" video for "Love + War", where Banks and RZA discussed the track's creation process, and exclusive audio snippets premiered on Beats 1 radio.[31] These efforts emphasized the collaborative spirit and experimental sound of the project, building anticipation ahead of the album's August 26, 2016, release.[32]Marketing Strategies
The album Anything But Words was announced on June 9, 2016, through a coordinated press release and social media rollout that highlighted the collaboration between RZA and Paul Banks, generating initial buzz in both hip-hop and indie music circles.[33][34] The announcement included details on the release date of August 26, 2016, tracklist, and guest features, while building hype via the teaser single "Giant," which was made available for streaming and download the following day.[5] This early reveal strategy aimed to leverage the artists' established fanbases from Wu-Tang Clan and Interpol, encouraging shares and discussions across platforms like Instagram and Twitter.[35] Partnerships played a key role in the promotional rollout, with Warner Bros. Records handling distribution and providing broad reach through its established channels for physical and digital formats.[36] Additionally, Red Bull Sound Select collaborated to produce exclusive content, including backstage interviews at events like Austin City Limits Music Festival, which offered fans behind-the-scenes insights into the project's creative process.[37] These alliances extended the campaign's visibility beyond traditional music media, integrating it into lifestyle and festival programming. Digital pre-orders were launched immediately following the announcement, available through platforms like iTunes to capitalize on early interest and provide instant gratification with teaser tracks.[5] Bundles incorporating merchandise, such as limited-edition vinyl and apparel, were offered via official retailers to enhance collector appeal and drive physical sales.[38] Marketing efforts targeted hip-hop and indie rock audiences through strategic placements in curated playlists on streaming services and a series of genre-specific interviews. Publications like XXL emphasized the rap elements and guest appearances, while outlets such as Pitchfork focused on the rock-infused production, ensuring cross-pollination between the duo's respective scenes.[5][3] This dual approach, combined with references to singles like "Giant" in promotional materials, helped position the album as a bridge between underground hip-hop grit and alternative rock experimentation.[34] Banks & Steelz made television promotional appearances, debuting on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on August 30, 2016, where they performed "Giant," followed by another rendition of the track on The Late Late Show with James Corden on September 21, 2016.[39][40] These late-night show spots amplified the project's visibility across broader audiences.Live Performances
Banks & Steelz made their live debut as a collaborative project on July 21, 2016, at the Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood, California, performing material from their forthcoming album Anything But Words for the first time.[41] The show featured RZA on vocals and keyboards alongside Paul Banks on guitar and backing vocals, supported by a full band including drummer Matt Barrick from Interpol.[42] This initial performance marked the project's transition from studio recordings to stage execution, emphasizing the duo's fusion of hip-hop and rock instrumentation. The duo's festival appearances began shortly after, with their first major slot at FYF Fest in Los Angeles on August 28, 2016, where they debuted several tracks including "Wild Season" and "Love + War," the latter featuring guest rapper Donnie Trumpet.[43] Additional festival sets followed, such as at Made in America in Philadelphia on September 4, 2016, and Austin City Limits (ACL) Festival in Austin, Texas, on September 30 and October 7, 2016.[44] These outings showcased the band's live dynamics, with RZA's rhythmic flows complemented by Banks' guitar riffs and the full band's rock-infused backing. In late 2016, Banks & Steelz embarked on a headlining tour across North America, spanning September to October with stops at venues like the Bowery Ballroom in New York City on September 1, the Mod Club in Toronto on September 6, and the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C., on August 31.[45] The tour extended to Europe in November, featuring four intimate shows, including at Postbahnhof in Berlin on November 14 and other dates in the UK and continental Europe.[46][47] These performances were supported by the same core band lineup, allowing for consistent delivery of the album's tracks in a live setting. Setlists from the 2016 tours typically highlighted key album cuts such as "Giant," "One by One," "Sword in the Stone," and "Ana Electronic," often opening with high-energy numbers like "Point of View" or "Love + War" to blend RZA's rap delivery with rock elements from Banks' guitar work and the band's percussion and bass.[48] Performances of "Giant," a lead single, were a staple, frequently closing sets and demonstrating the project's rap-rock synergy through layered vocals and instrumental builds.[49] The live renditions captured the album's conceptual energy, with the full band's setup enabling dynamic shifts between hip-hop grooves and alternative rock textures.[50]Commercial Performance
Chart Positions
The album Anything But Words by Banks & Steelz debuted at number 186 on the US Billboard 200 chart dated September 17, 2016, marking the project's entry into mainstream album rankings based on a combination of traditional sales, track equivalent albums, and streaming equivalent albums.[9] This position reflected modest initial commercial traction in the United States, influenced by physical sales through Warner Bros. Records and growing streaming activity on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, which contributed to its multi-metric consumption total. The album also performed strongly on niche charts, peaking at number 4 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart, which tracks emerging artists not previously appearing on the Billboard 200's top 50, as well as debuting at number 15 on the Alternative Albums chart and number 11 on the Top Rap Albums chart.[51][9] Internationally, Anything But Words achieved its highest peak in the United Kingdom, reaching number 18 on the Official UK Albums Chart during its first week of release in late August 2016, driven by digital downloads and limited physical copies.[8] The album saw limited visibility in other markets. These international placements highlighted the project's crossover appeal between rap and alternative rock audiences, though overall chart longevity was brief, with the album spending only one week in the UK top 40 and similar short runs elsewhere. Among the singles, "Giant," released in July 2016 as the second single, garnered attention for its energetic production but did not achieve significant mainstream chart success; however, it contributed to the album's buzz through digital sales and streaming, aligning with the era's shift toward on-demand consumption metrics in chart calculations. Other singles like "Love + War" featuring Ghostface Killah and Method Man and "Speedway Sonora" similarly supported promotion without notable peak positions on major rap or digital song sales charts. The chart performance overall was bolstered by streaming data, which accounted for a growing portion of rankings by 2016, alongside physical and digital sales that underscored the duo's cult following rather than broad commercial dominance.Sales Figures
The debut album Anything But Words by Banks & Steelz achieved modest commercial performance, earning approximately 4,000 equivalent album units in its first week on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States, dated September 17, 2016, with the vast majority derived from traditional album sales rather than streaming or track equivalents.[9] This figure marked a low entry point reflective of the project's experimental crossover appeal between hip-hop and alternative rock. In the context of a debut collaborative effort between established artists from disparate genres—Interpol's Paul Banks and Wu-Tang Clan's RZA—these figures fell short of broader commercial expectations for a Warner Bros. release but highlighted steady interest through digital downloads, which accounted for a significant portion of initial U.S. units amid shifting industry trends toward hybrid physical-digital models.[8] No major certifications were awarded by organizations such as the RIAA or equivalent international bodies, underscoring its niche market positioning.Critical Reception
Professional Reviews
Anything But Words received generally favorable reviews from music critics, earning a Metacritic aggregate score of 72 out of 100 based on 13 reviews.[7] Several publications praised the album's innovative genre blend of alternative rock and hip-hop, along with its energetic production. Q Magazine awarded it 80 out of 100, describing it as "a record you never dreamt you needed, but which leaves you craving more."[7] Exclaim! highlighted its high-energy tracks, stating that "when Anything But Words ups the pace, it proves to be one of the finest records of the year."[52] Record Collector also commended the collaboration, calling it "the sound of two worlds colliding and finding a golden middle ground."[7] Other critics offered mixed assessments, focusing on inconsistencies in style and execution. The Guardian gave the album 3 out of 5 stars, appreciating its "slick production" and subtle energy but noting that it "comes off like a bid to musically supervise the next hit movie."[13] Pitchfork was more negative, assigning a score of 4.4 out of 10 and criticizing it as an "overwrought pop-rap record."[3] NME rated it 2 out of 5, lambasting the "lumpy, aesthetically awkward listen defined by disjointed songwriting and clashing styles."[22] Common praises centered on the polished production and successful fusion of Banks' guitar-driven indie rock with RZA's hip-hop beats, creating dynamic moments of energy.[7] Criticisms frequently targeted the uneven lyrical depth and mismatched vocal deliveries, with some reviewers finding the experimentation tested patience, particularly in slower tracks.[3][20]Fan and Retrospective Views
Many enthusiasts highlight tracks like "Giant" for their seamless integration of Paul Banks' brooding guitar work with RZA's production flair, viewing the album as a successful side project that showcases versatility.[53] However, reception to the lyrics has been mixed, with some listeners critiquing their occasionally overwrought delivery and abstract themes as less impactful than the sonic experimentation. In a 2024 interview with The Guardian, Paul Banks reflected on the collaboration fondly, noting that much of the album was made with RZA sending him beats and describing it as a "wonderful experience" that he hopes to revisit in the future.[54] By 2025, marking the album's ninth anniversary, online communities continued to celebrate its legacy through discussions, reinforcing its status as a niche gem.[55] The project's community impact is evident in elements like the "Love + War" music video's homage to Reservoir Dogs, which echoed RZA's cinematic influences.[56] Additionally, Banks & Steelz incorporated covers of Frank Ocean's "Nikes" and "White Ferrari" into their performances, highlighting the album's broader cultural resonance within alternative and hip-hop circles.[57]Additional Details
Track Listing
The standard edition of Anything But Words features 12 tracks with a total runtime of 55 minutes.[58] All tracks were written by Paul Banks and Robert Diggs (RZA), with production handled primarily by Banks and Steelz (Paul Banks and RZA), alongside contributions from additional producers including John Hill, Andrew Wyatt, Ari Levine, and Kid Harpoon on select tracks.[2][59]| No. | Title | Featuring | Length | Producer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Giant" | 3:51 | John Hill, Kid Harpoon[59] | |
| 2 | "Ana Electronic" | 3:44 | Banks & Steelz[59] | |
| 3 | "Sword in the Stone" | Kool Keith | 4:49 | Banks & Steelz[18] |
| 4 | "Speedway Sonora" | 4:15 | Banks & Steelz[18] | |
| 5 | "Wild Season" | Florence Welch | 4:26 | Banks & Steelz, Andrew Wyatt[59] |
| 6 | "Anything But Words" | 4:21 | Banks & Steelz, Ari Levine[60] | |
| 7 | "Conceal" | 3:59 | Banks & Steelz[18] | |
| 8 | "Love and War" | Ghostface Killah | 4:08 | Banks & Steelz[18] |
| 9 | "Can't Hardly Feel" | 4:32 | Banks & Steelz[18] | |
| 10 | "One by One" | 4:48 | Banks & Steelz[18] | |
| 11 | "Gonna Make It" | 5:45 | Banks & Steelz[18] | |
| 12 | "Point of View" | Masta Killa, Method Man | 6:31 | Banks & Steelz[18] |
Personnel and Credits
Primary Artists and ProducersAnything But Words was produced primarily by Banks & Steelz, the collaborative alias of Paul Banks (vocals, guitar) from Interpol and RZA (born Robert Diggs; production, vocals, beats) from Wu-Tang Clan, who co-wrote and co-produced the majority of tracks. Additional production contributions included John Hill and Kid Harpoon on "Giant" (track 1), Andrew Wyatt on "Wild Season" (track 5), and Ari Levine on "Anything But Words" (track 6).[18] Featured Performers
The album features guest appearances from several artists: Florence Welch (vocals) on "Wild Season", Kool Keith (rap) on "Sword in the Stone" (track 3), Ghostface Killah (rap) on "Love and War" (track 8), and Method Man and Masta Killa (rap) on "Point of View" (track 12).[61] Musicians and Instrumentation
Supporting instrumentation was provided by session musicians, including:
- John Hill: bass guitar, keyboards, drum programming (track 1)
- Tom Hull: keyboards, drum programming (track 1)
- Matthew Barrick: drums (tracks 3, 4, 8)
- Nick Zinner: guitar (track 5)
- Rob Moose: piano (track 8)
- Clinton Patterson: trumpet (track 8)
- Will Wells: keyboards, strings (track 11)[61]
Engineering was overseen by Billy Hickey and Nick Rowe on "Wild Season", with assistant engineers including Bradford H. Smith (multiple tracks), Emerson Day, Gosha Usov, Jake Smith, John Horne, Vira Byramji, Brandon Bost, and Blake Mares. Mixing duties were split between Mike Crossey (tracks 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12) and Mark "Spike" Stent (tracks 1, 3, 5, 11), assisted by Geoff Swan, Michael Freeman, and Jonathan Gilmore.[61] Mastering
The album was mastered by Greg Calbi at Sterling Sound, New York, with additional mastering by Steve Fallone.[61] A&R and Additional Credits
A&R was directed by Alex Black and Jeff Sosnow, with administration by Jonna Terrasi and coordination by Elizabeth Jones. The album was recorded across studios including Electric Lady Studios (New York), Henson Recording Studios and Record Plant (Los Angeles), and 123 Studios (London).[61]