4 by Obese Ghost Children

4 is the appropriately titled fourth installment in Obese Ghost Children’s catalogue (which includes their self-titled debut EP, their feature-heavy sophomore EP ‘Spöke’, and their third and longest release ‘Still Dead’). The EP clocks in under 15 minutes and is a whirlwind of reflection in both sound and substance. Touching on themes of personal destruction and personal heroics, OGC’s richly danceable and dark production is built by Norty and captioned by the evocative stream of consciousness raps of MCF.

In a return to the stylings of a “Missoula” or “On Me”, 4 finds both ghost members settling into a more traditional song structure with Norty’s vocals resonating on each chorus, invoking the spirit of an early 2000s indie rock band on the brink of a break up. It serves as an intriguing change of pace from their previous releases, which include dance breaks, house outros, left-field features, and a slew of haunting samples.

Guest rappers Mister and IAME make appearances, as they have on previous records. They both pull their weight masterfully and make it clear why OGC has kept them in their musical rolodex. Densely packed, but neatly constructed, ‘4’ is equally pleasing to those seeking the abstract as it is to those with simple pop sensibilities.