4NAHNA is everything. It is ridiculous. Caleb Stone has no problem throwing together the most absurd samples from ‘Law and Order: SVU’ or creating an Oval-like ambient track all under the course of a half hour. None of this makes any sense. What it does show is how absurdity and experimentation can exist in the same sonic ecosystem. Albums like 4NAHNA give me hope in humanity, showing me that musicians still possess a healthy amount of absurd humor.
Classifying this is near impossible. The default for this album may be ‘chillwave’ as there’s a great deal of nostalgia running amok. Even that definition is somewhat limiting as there’s a great deal of experimentation going on during these seventeen tracks. You can hear old Buddy Holly “Buddy Holly Remix”, messed up remnants of old theme songs, and various voices trying to break free. Of course they don’t break free and the whole thing is set up to work against them. Caleb knows the samples can never escape so he quite playful with how he uses them.
The beginning song reminds me of a Christopher Willts track, right down to the tasteful skipping guitar sounds. It’s welcoming, warm, and energetic. “Fantasy Factory” presents a sillier version of the future, with ridiculous noises and a surprisingly catchy melody.
None of this lasts very long. Most songs last under a minute. A few are surprisingly touching to show the playful nature does have a purpose. 4NAHNA is pop culture at its most concentrated. And it is free right here.
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