You fall in love, you let him go. You know his past, now let it go.
And all his time was spent alone. A pent up fear has yet to blow.
Indifferent to the time at hand, time stood still for another chance.
Fell victim to the morning light.
The fog rose high and I close my eyes.
I close my eyes. The fog rose high and I close my eyes.
You held me high, don’t let me go. We spent some time, you’re all I know.
And all my fear begins to flow. We closed our eyes and begin to float.
Craft Spells‘ debut album, Idle Labor, was written entirely by Justin Vallesteros in his bedroom. He recorded and composed songs for two years before moving to Seattle and adding three new bandmates in Javier Suarez, Jack Doyle Smith and Peter Michel. Although Idle Labor‘s unique sound is solely the labor of Vallesteros, there is no shortage of musical talent and creativity amongst the band. Not just talent in playing but two of these guys have great side projects going on. Now that these other young talents are in the mix, I’m expecting some great things that compliment the sound of Craft Spells in Idle Labor, yet explore new areas.
Jack Doyle Smith (CS Bass Player) goes by iamSELKIE and has a track called Earth.
Latest tracks by iamSELKIE
Javier Suarez (CS Guitar) goes by Gathered Ghosts and has a track called Desert Mind.
Desert Mind by Gathered Ghosts
We ventured down to Soda Bar last night to catch Beach Fossils, Craft Spells, and Writer. I was most excited about Craft Spells as this was their first time playing in San Diego and their first tour with this lineup. Watching this band grow over the internet from a one man bedroom project to a four piece touring band has been great, they’re so young (see photos below) and are on track for much bigger things. They had a great energy to their set that apexed with Party Talk that got everyone moving.
Justin Vallesteros is the man behind Craft Spells. Here he is hastily putting together their set list.
I told you these guys were young. Craft Spells’ bassist Jack Doyle Smith (left) and drummer Peter Michel rapping out with our friend Ginny after drinking Arizona Iced Teas.
The biggest and most rewarding surprise of the night was with opening band Writer who are a San Diego duo comprised of brothers Andy and James Ralph. For two people they have a big sound thanks to their ability to play multiple instruments at once. Some of the sound reminded me of Woods. Though it’s hard to have a crazy stage presence with two people, the energy they put out in every note and strike of the drum grabs you. After the set I talked to Andy and purchased their Miss Mermaid 7″. He’s a very talented musician, artist, and all around good guy who was very appreciative and thankful for everyone coming out.
We featured Craft Spells before they released their album so if you have not checked out their release from last month titled Idle Labor, you’re missing out.
I was fortunate to pick up Idle Labor as a hand numbered limited edition copy on blue marbled vinyl from Captured Tracks which may be sold out now, but you can still pick up the standard edition which is equally awesome to the ears.
Track Listing:
1. For the Ages
2. Scandinavian Crush
3. The Fog Rose High
4. Party Talk
5. From the Morning Heat
6. After the Moment
7. Ramona
8. Given the Time
9. Your Tomb
10. You Should Close the Door
11. Beauty Above All
RELEASE DATE: March 29th, 2011.
Official video for After the Moment:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9a5v_XhoO-4
See them on tour next week on the west coast with label mates Beach Fossils and Writer:
Sun 05/01/11 Club Congress Tucson AZ
Mon 05/02/11 Soda Bar San Diego CA
Tue 05/03/11 Echo Los Angeles CA
Wed 05/04/11 The Cellar Door Visalia CA
Thu 05/05/11 Slims San Francisco CA
Sat 05/07/11 Chop Suey Seattle WA
Been following the small indie pop wonder Craft Spells for quite some time. They hail from Stockton, a city East of the Bay Area and South of Sacramento. It’s a place more known more for its annual Asparagus festival and the California Delta than a music scene. But that’s all changed for this young band as the were added to famed label Captured Tracks in August. It’s refreshing to hear some amazing sounds come out of places other than Brooklyn and Los Angeles. You could liken their sound to the child of The Cure/Beach Boys/Small Black.
Craft Spells was originally the project of Justin Vallesteros who added friend and fellow stockton resident Frankie Soto. They’ve recently added Jack Smith and Anna Luxx Ryon to have a touring band. Like them on Craft Spells’ Facebook and let them know you’d like them to play your city. Craft Spells will release their full length debut Idle Labor at the end of March, go out and buy it to support these great young musicians. In the meantime check out the videos below and visit their Soundcloud.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SY_eY3M99Lg
