Dear listeners and readers of Soundville,

When you come across a very mysterious and interesting rock EP, it immediately sparks great interest, because such releases hold many secrets you want to uncover. One of these EPs is the debut ‘Vice Market’ by Captain Mantis, made up of four tracks, each reflecting a different era of rock. It is incredibly exciting to discover and listen to, because this concept is reflected both in the cover art of the release and in the overall approach to it. Captain Mantis have created a very rich and engaging narrative in their tracks, showing how they see their own music and suggesting that the band’s future releases will be just as interesting and diverse.

I like it when bands take risks from their very first releases and show exactly what they live for and how they hear their own sound, and in ‘Vice Market’ Captain Mantis have created exactly this kind of atmosphere. And what is especially remarkable is that each track is done incredibly well, full of drive, and you can truly feel how much energy was put into ‘Vice Market’. That is why I suggest that you take a day off right now, set all your tasks aside, and simply enjoy the stunning rock sound of Captain Mantis. And this remarkable rock journey opens with the track ‘Moonshine Alley’, with bright guitars that clearly show excellent production and stunning vocals. In every measure, you can feel a mix of styles that take you back to the past, yet the track shines with the beauty of modern commercial sound, making a familiar rock vibe feel both young and cozy. What is incredibly cool is that every instrument in ‘Moonshine Alley’ is perfectly polished and clear, and this brightness radiates with incredible energy. The way the EP starts is amazing, with vocals soaring through octaves, riding the notes, and captivating with cinematic performance.

Then it is time for ‘Simon Frost’, paying tribute to minimalist, deep, and tender rock tracks and the drive of rock’n’roll. I like how lovingly and gracefully the second track is performed, with each chord transitioning and blending into the next, creating a very unusual experience. Starting as a gentle, romantic rock ballad, ‘Simon Frost’ unfolds into a driving rock’n’roll with elements of blues, and it sounds really cool, giving an incredible sense of momentum. I think the band’s live performances with this track will truly get the halls rocking. The gentle guitar passages in the track ‘Galatea’ are performed in the best traditions of tender rock folk ballads.

They are deeply personal, touching, and sound as if they are turned inward, yet always speak to themes that are familiar to everyone. ‘Galatea’ is a very emotional and airy song, perfect for melancholic playlists filled with a cozy atmosphere and tracks that let you dream. This song is one of those that add comfort to your evening and give your thoughts that extra push toward long reflections, self-acceptance, and maybe even healing. The EP finishes with the track ‘Vice Market’, which is the central track of the EP, with a very intriguing, slow reveal of its sound. The duration of the song is 6 minutes and 1 second, and during this time the melody blooms and unfolds, capturing different styles and genres of rock, which is incredibly captivating.

The driving lyrics add a sense of theatricality and interesting conceptual layers to the track. I like that the sound is very rich, dense, and intriguing, and the vocals become harder, showing a hint of sensual sharpness that turns into a velvet rasp in the verses. I have to admit, this is my favorite track on the EP very intriguing, bright, and truly hot. I can say that after listening to ‘Vice Market’, Captain Mantis’s music felt almost too brief. The EP ‘Vice Market’ really intrigued me, and now I am excited to see what the band will prepare next in their future releases. Wow, that was really amazing. I’m filled with great energy and ready to listen to ‘Vice Market’ again and again, discovering something new and captivating each time. I’m completely thrilled. Be sure to add your favorite tracks to your playlists and follow Captain Mantis so you don’t miss out on even more of this cool and stylish rock music. Fire!

Hey Captain Mantis! Thank you for releasing such wonderful music. This is truly a very cool and vibrant EP, full of different styles, languages, and energies that intertwine to create what feels like a canvas of colors. I love the connection to art, and it reflects your sound perfectly. Each song is like a separate brushstroke on a larger canvas, and every listener can paint their own picture based solely on their impression of the music in ‘Vice Market’. It was really awesome. Please keep making more conceptual music like this. I love it, want more, and I’m your fan!

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With much love,
Soundville