Stay Calm is exactly what you expect from a beat project by Nathan Williams and his brother Kynan.
The tape is reminiscent of some of Williams’ songs from Wavves’ 2009 hit, King of the Beach — specifically “Mikey Mouse.” The song was the first hint that he had aspirations beyond SoCal, stonery punk rock.
Stay Calm isn’t going to blow anyone away with new ideas, but it’s absolutely enjoyable. The brothers dutifully incorporate elements everyone loves, from soul samples, to twisted synths, to sputtering snares and rumbling bass. The whole record feels more baked than batch of cookies, but the back half is particularly stoned. “Eight” might get you a contact high.
Is it fair to make so many weed references? Yes (though it’s maybe a little annoying). Williams has always put his smoking habits right up front, along with the rest of himself. That’s why even if Stay Calm won’t blow you away, it’s great because it just is what it is.
Give it a listen for free on Spotify.
![Irish soda bread is a quick bread, which means it doesn’t require any yeast or kneading to rise. Instead, it relies on baking soda and buttermilk, which interact for leavening. When the ingredients are combined, the leavening process starts immediately, so the dough should be mixed quickly — hence the moniker “quick bread.” It shouldn’t […]](https://www.coloradodaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SJM-TASTEFOOD-0319-1.jpg?w=495 "Irish soda bread is a quick bread, which means it doesn’t require any yeast or kneading to rise. Instead, it relies on baking soda and buttermilk, which interact for leavening. When the ingredients are combined, the leavening process starts immediately, so the dough should be mixed quickly — hence the moniker “quick bread.” It shouldn’t […]")