January 18, 2011

Craft Spells

Story by Luke Vanvoorhis

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.