Craft Spells – Idle Labor
Captured Tracks
-out now
3.5 / 5
The dream-scapes crafted by the Stockton, CA dream pop outfit well suit their name: they are well crafted, and sneak upon the listener like a spell. Evoking a demure Ariel Pink vocally, Craft Spells balances their tracks similarly, scooping in a big heft of guitar and synth that almost overpowers the shy, almost monotone vocals. While not exactly what we had in mind, there’s no denying that “Party Talk” comes off sparkling and shimmering, “After the Moment” just as laid-back, with the overall effect suiting well your 80s high-school-crush flashbacks. We think fellow dream-poppers will adore this album, but the unusual sonic balance and washed-out color (not just on the cover) does take some getting used to. Still worth a couple spins to get into it, and worth a few quid to kick back and slow down all that rushing music in your head. Recommended.
Listen to “You Should Close the Door” at The Fader!