After a stunning debut record and a somewhat underwhelming follow-up mini-album, there's much riding on Nausea for Craft Spells. This new album may lack the immediacy and exhilaration of the debut — Nausea is somewhat of a slow grower, taking multiple listens to reveal its charm — but it retains that same delicate melodic sense and addictive pull. Slower in tempo, hazier and more melancholic, Nausea is the come-down after the sugar-rush of Idle Labor, and is in many ways the perfect companion piece to its predecessor.
Layering and subtlety complete Vallesteros' songwriting, showing a more mature side of the Californian's craft, as evidenced on such slowly unfolding gems as "Komorebi," a track that seems to pack a feature-length emotional curve into a mere four-and-a-half minutes. Written on piano rather than guitar, Nausea will sound eerily familiar; once past the first few listens, you'll find yourself unable to resist its cocoon-like comfort. Nausea is the perfect lazy summer album with a hidden depth that slowly unfolds to reveal a work of sincere beauty.
(Captured Tracks)Layering and subtlety complete Vallesteros' songwriting, showing a more mature side of the Californian's craft, as evidenced on such slowly unfolding gems as "Komorebi," a track that seems to pack a feature-length emotional curve into a mere four-and-a-half minutes. Written on piano rather than guitar, Nausea will sound eerily familiar; once past the first few listens, you'll find yourself unable to resist its cocoon-like comfort. Nausea is the perfect lazy summer album with a hidden depth that slowly unfolds to reveal a work of sincere beauty.