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Vice Market by Captain Mantis

  • Writer: Arashk Azizi
    Arashk Azizi
  • 2 days ago
  • 2 min read

Rock music has never truly left—but every now and then, a new band comes along that reminds us of why we fell in love with it in the first place. The debut EP, Vice Market by Captain Mantis, does exactly that. Produced by Latin Grammy-nominated Paco Lazo and Andrés Lavalle in Monterrey, Mexico, the four-track release is a celebration of rock's diverse heritage—revisited with love, energy, and technical finesse.
Vice Market by Captain Mantis

Rock music has never truly left—but every now and then, a new band comes along that reminds us of why we fell in love with it in the first place. The debut EP, Vice Market by Captain Mantis, does exactly that. Produced by Latin Grammy-nominated Paco Lazo and Andrés Lavalle in Monterrey, Mexico, the four-track release is a celebration of rock's diverse heritage—revisited with love, energy, and technical finesse.


Each song explores a different corner of rock's vast territory, yet the EP as a whole feels cohesive. The unifying thread is a sense of raw authenticity, bolstered by expressive vocals, virtuosic lead guitar work, and arrangements that breathe with life and spontaneity.


A journey through Vice Market

“Moonshine Alley” kicks off the EP with an infectious riff and a rhythm that leans toward pop without losing its rock roots. The vocals are punchy, the guitar solos are electrifying, and the energy is undeniable. It’s a perfect opener—one that immediately draws you in.


“Simon Frost” begins with soft classical guitar strumming and vocals, gradually building into a country-tinged rock anthem. The pacing is natural and satisfying, and the blend of acoustic textures with rock instrumentation shows the band's range. What stands out most here, as throughout the EP, is the sheer quality of the guitar work: smooth, confident, and deeply expressive.


“Galatea” takes things in a softer direction, staying in an acoustic-driven, introspective mood. There’s a touch of Cat Stevens in its warmth and sincerity. The gentle arpeggios and subtle dynamics showcase the band’s ability to hold back when needed, letting mood and melody take the lead.


“Vice Market”, the title track, closes the EP on a high-energy note. The bass has a distinct Latin pulse, anchoring the track while the guitar riffs explode with rock vitality. Sung in Spanish, it’s a vibrant and rhythmically rich piece that ends the record on a bright, bold note.



Vice Market by Captain Mantis is Familiar Yet Fresh

What I love most about Vice Market is its sense of familiarity. There are echoes of the greats—Pink Floyd, Camel, Scorpions, even a hint of Cat Stevens—but nothing about this EP feels derivative. It’s not a tribute or a copy. These are original songs written with clear love for the genre, capturing the essence of classic rock while still sounding fresh and personal.

This is music made by people who love music, for listeners who feel the same. It’s that simple. And it’s powerful.

What I love most about Vice Market is its sense of familiarity. There are echoes of the greats—Pink Floyd, Camel, Scorpions, even a hint of Cat Stevens—but nothing about this EP feels derivative. It’s not a tribute or a copy. These are original songs written with clear love for the genre, capturing the essence of classic rock while still sounding fresh and personal. This is music made by people who love music, for listeners who feel the same. It’s that simple. And it’s powerful.
Captain Mantis


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