CAPTAIN MANTIS SHOWCASES THEIR ECLECTIC SOUND ON DEBUT EP VICE MARKET

Artwork by Steven Arziamendi

Vice Market is the debut EP from Captain Mantis, and right out of the gate, it makes one thing clear: this band refuses to be boxed in. Across four tracks, the record pulls from different corners—and decades—of rock, showcasing an eclectic identity that feels both intentional and refreshingly unpolished. There’s no formula here, just instinct and style.

Produced by Latin Grammy-nominated duo Paco Lazo and Andrés Lavalle at Sultana Records in Monterrey, Mexico, Vice Market carries a warm, lived-in feel. You can almost hear the setting in the recordings; sunlight sneaking through the blinds, gear humming in the heat, ideas flowing freely. It’s not a flex-heavy debut. It’s a vibe-driven one.

Captain Mantis doesn’t try to tie everything up in a neat bow. Instead, they lean into their different influences and let the songs speak for themselves. The result is a record that feels casual in all the right ways, low on pretense, high on feel. Let’s break it down track by track:

“Moonshine Alley,” the opening track on Vice Market, sets the tone with a warmth and ease that’s instantly inviting. It doesn’t kick the door down, it opens it gently, like an old friend waving you onto the patio. You can almost picture the band playing live in Monterey, Mexico, where the album was recorded, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows while the drinks flow and the tunes melt into the breeze. Stylistically, the song is effortlessly smooth, blending laid-back charm with a confident musicality. The bass line walks with swagger, anchoring the groove, while the drums, tastefully mixed and masterfully performed, give the track its heartbeat. The guitar work is subtle but essential, adding color and texture without ever trying too hard. And then there’s the lyrical hook, a repeated nod to “another whiskey on the rocks.” It’s a line that lingers, catchy and cool, making the whole thing feel like a late-night toast to good times. With “Moonshine Alley,” the band doesn’t just open the EP, they welcome you into their world. And yeah, we’re definitely pouring a glass.

“Simon Frost” eases in with soft acoustic guitar and smooth, slightly off-kilter vocals that feel reminiscent of They Might Be Giants; charming, warm, and a little quirky. It starts slow, almost deceptively mellow, like it’s content to coast along on good vibes alone. But then, out of nowhere, the track shifts gears. Suddenly, the pace quickens, the rhythm section tightens, and everything locks into place with urgency and drive. It’s a sharp but natural transition that gives the track its spark. The groove feels alive, like the band collectively decided to hit the gas and see where it takes them. And then comes the guitar solo, which feels less like a performance and more like a gravitational pull. It’s fluid, expressive, and technically on-point, weaving through the rhythm with finesse and control. Each note lands with intention, and the whole thing draws you in so deeply that you almost forget where the track started. By the time it wraps, “Simon Frost” has traveled a long way from its acoustic beginnings. It’s a track that builds, transforms, and sticks with you, leaving you reaching for the repeat button without a second thought.

Photo by Tebah Gonzalez

“Galatea” opens with beautifully intricate guitar work that immediately sets a reflective tone. There’s a calm confidence to the playing, nothing flashy, just tasteful, melodic phrasing that draws you in. As the second-to-last track, it arrives like a deep breath, offering a moment of stillness in the middle of the storm. This track leans into its softness, and that’s exactly what makes it shine. The vocals are restrained and emotive, gliding gently above the instrumentation. It’s not trying to dominate, it’s trying to connect. Then, about halfway through, an unexpected layer of vintage-sounding strings slips in, giving the track a cinematic, almost nostalgic feel. “Galatea” may not be the loudest track on the EP, but it’s easily one of the most emotionally resonant. It’s a quiet standout, a ballad that unfolds with grace, leaving a lasting impact without raising its voice.

“Vice Market,” the title and final track of the EP, closes things out with undeniable flair, and honestly, it’s our favorite of the bunch. Sung in both English and Spanish, the track blends cultures and sounds with a smooth confidence, weaving in distinctive Latin influences that bring heat, rhythm, and soul. It’s got that spicy, sun-soaked flavor that makes you crave tacos, micheladas, or something wrapped in a warm tortilla. And if you’re not already indulging, you will be shortly after this one plays. The bassline is the backbone here; groovy, fat, and full of personality. There's a moment where it stands alone, and it's downright delicious. But then the Spanish electric guitar kicks in, taking the spotlight with a fiery, expressive solo that doesn’t just add to the track, it defines it. The guitar work is bold and unapologetic, driving the song home with the kind of swagger that makes you hit replay before the final note even fades. “Vice Market” doesn’t just end the EP, it elevates it, tying everything together with rhythm, soul, and serious flavor—a perfect sendoff.

Taken as a whole, Vice Market is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a cohesive, lived-in experience. Each track brings its own distinct flavor, yet they all share a common thread: a sense of place, warmth, and effortless cool. From the inviting haze of “Moonshine Alley” to the dynamic jolt of “Simon Frost,” the emotional pull of “Galatea,” and the fiery, cross-cultural celebration of the title track, this EP showcases a band that knows exactly who they are and what they want to say.

There’s a rare balance here between energy and restraint, fun and feeling, spontaneity and intention. It feels like a record made not just to be heard, but to be felt: outdoors with friends, on a solo drive at golden hour, or late at night with a drink in hand. Vice Market is a vibe, a soundtrack, and a statement all in one, and it leaves you wanting just a little more.