Captain Mantis is a four-piece Mexican rock band from Monterrey made up of vocalist Checo Ruizesparza, guitarist Pato Sepúlveda, drummer Charly “El Pulpo” Lowry, and bassist and primary songwriter Ignacio Alvarez. Originally formed during their high school years, the band rekindled their project later in life, bringing with them a deeper appreciation of their diverse musical influences. Each member carries a unique background: Pato with a heavy riff-driven style inspired by Tony Iommi, Charly drawing groove and energy from funk icons like Parliament and the Chili Peppers, Checo with his Beatles-rooted melodic sensibilities, and Ignacio combining progressive bass instincts with a songwriter’s eye shaped by Dylan and Paul Simon. The collision of these varied tastes forms a vintage yet organic sound, giving Captain Mantis a classic rock spirit that is both familiar and adventurous, deeply rooted in tradition yet unafraid to explore new ground.
The original EP “Vice Market” by Captain Mantis, released on August 15th, 2025, is an impressive debut that thrives on variety, warmth, and authenticity. From the opening notes, the record makes it clear that this is not a project tied to one singular vision of rock but instead a celebration of its many branches. Each track feels distinct, with influences ranging from funk driven rhythms to blues infused riffs and ballad like melodies, yet the EP never comes across as scattered. Instead, the diversity is united by the band’s organic chemistry and the vintage but polished production. The result is a listening experience that feels like a carefully woven journey through different moods and eras of rock music. “Vice Market” does not just reflect the influences of its members but transforms them into something with a personality of its own.
The instrumental performances on “Vice Market” are among its most striking qualities. Ignacio Alvarez’s bass is central throughout, providing a steady yet inventive foundation that often carries both groove and melody. Alongside him, Charly “El Pulpo” Lowry’s drumming brings an irresistible sense of movement, clearly informed by his funk background, which injects the songs with dynamic energy. Pato Sepúlveda’s guitar work balances power with nuance, shifting seamlessly between heavy, riff oriented playing and lighter, melodic passages that give space for emotional resonance. This instrumental synergy ensures that no track feels one dimensional; instead, each song grows with layers of texture and detail, rewarding repeated listens. The way the band allows each instrument to breathe while still serving the whole creates a sense of balance that is rare in debut releases.
At the heart of the EP are the vocals delivered by Checo Ruizesparza, whose performance provides a narrative thread connecting the eclectic musical landscapes. Checo’s voice proves to be versatile and deeply expressive, moving between smoky intimacy, playful charm, and fervent emotional intensity depending on what the song demands. This adaptability makes the listening experience cinematic, as though each track is a different chapter in a larger story. His Beatles inspired sensibilities shine through in his melodic phrasing, but there is also a rawness and spontaneity that keeps the vocals from ever sounding predictable. The result is a performance that feels both timeless and contemporary, able to channel the nostalgia of classic rock while keeping it fresh for a modern audience.
Vice Market EP Track List:
Moonshine Alley:
“Moonshine Alley” opens the EP with an undeniable sense of cinematic intensity, immediately immersing the listener in its smoky, late night atmosphere. The track begins with gritty garage rock guitars that grind with raw energy, setting the stage for a swaggering rhythm section where the bass walks confidently and the drums punch with crisp precision. From the very start, it demands attention, laying down a groove that feels urgent yet steeped in a vintage spirit. This bold introduction establishes the tone of “Vice Market,” signaling that the band is unafraid to embrace grit, swagger, and raw rock power as they launch into their debut statement.
Checo Ruizesparza’s vocal performance on “Moonshine Alley” elevates the track into something truly captivating. His delivery moves effortlessly between cool restraint and euphoric bursts, embodying the reckless allure of whiskey soaked temptation and late night indulgence. There is a cinematic quality to his voice that makes the chaos sound magnetic rather than destructive, drawing the listener deeper into the world the lyrics conjure. The interplay between vocals and instrumentation is key here, as the band leans into their hard rock influences while still leaving space for moments of experimentation. When the track veers into psychedelic territory with spacey guitar chords and explosive drum fills, it expands the soundscape in unexpected directions without losing momentum.
The song concludes with a twist that captures both the playfulness and authenticity of Captain Mantis. After building through heavy grooves and psychedelic bursts, “Moonshine Alley” winds down into a woozy harmonica outro that feels both tongue in cheek and perfectly fitting, a final wink to the listener that ties into the track’s title. It is this combination of raw energy, instrumental craftsmanship, and spontaneous character that makes “Moonshine Alley” not only a textbook opener but also a perfect encapsulation of what Captain Mantis represents: a band with roots in classic rock tradition but the creativity to twist it into something refreshing and alive.
Simon Frost:
“Simon Frost,” the second track on the EP, begins with a gentler presence that immediately contrasts the bold energy of the opener. Its acoustic guitar foundation is delicate yet purposeful, creating an intimate space where Checo Ruizesparza’s slightly off-kilter vocals bring a sense of quirkiness and vulnerability. This opening section feels raw and heartfelt, drawing the listener closer as though the song is quietly sharing a personal confession. The understated tone sets the stage for what becomes one of the most dynamic and emotionally layered moments on the record, demonstrating Captain Mantis’ ability to shift gears while still maintaining cohesion.
As the song progresses, “Simon Frost” unfolds into a broader rock-driven anthem with seamless precision. The rhythm section rises to prominence, as Ignacio Alvarez’s bass and Charly Lowry’s drums lock together to inject momentum and lift the energy to new heights. At the same time, Pato Sepúlveda’s guitar work evolves from acoustic warmth into a soaring solo that feels both fluid and expressive, carrying the track toward its emotional climax. This transformation is more than just a stylistic shift; it gives the piece a narrative flow, suggesting a journey from fragility to empowerment. The dynamic layering ensures that the track never feels disjointed, instead unfolding like a story told through sound.
At its peak, “Simon Frost” feels like the emotional heart of the EP, balancing intimacy with triumph in a way that leaves a lasting impression. What begins as a tender ballad becomes an anthem of resilience, inspiring listeners to confront challenges with courage and conviction. The song’s arc mirrors the process of finding strength in vulnerability, making it both relatable and uplifting. By blending acoustic sincerity with rock power, Captain Mantis crafts a track that resonates on multiple levels, standing out as not only a highlight of “Vice Market” but also a defining statement of the band’s eclectic and heartfelt artistry.
The production of “Vice Market,” handled by Paco Lazo and Andrés Lavalle at Sultana Records in Monterrey, plays a crucial role in bringing the band’s vision to life. The sessions, recorded in after hours under the challenging heat of over 40°C, carry a raw authenticity that translates into the music. The mix is warm and organic, preserving the grit and soul of classic rock while ensuring that every instrument is crisp and distinct. Nothing feels overproduced, yet there is a clarity that allows the listener to appreciate the intricacies of the arrangements. Even the smallest touches, such as psychedelic textures or unexpected flourishes, are placed with intention, expanding the soundscape without distracting from the core of the songs. The result is a record that feels honest, crafted with care, and designed to let the band’s personality shine through.
Vice Market is a Bold And Eclectic Debut That Fuses Grit, Groove, And Heartfelt Storytelling, Taking Listeners On A Timeless Rock Journey That Feels Both Vintage In Spirit And Refreshingly Alive In Execution
Overall, “Vice Market” is a confident and eclectic debut that succeeds in showcasing the identity of Captain Mantis while leaving space for anticipation of what is to come. It is not only a testament to the band’s wide range of influences but also proof of their ability to meld those influences into something cohesive and compelling. Every track stands on its own, yet together they form a body of work that flows naturally, offering both energy and introspection. It is a record made with love and for the joy of making music, and that joy is evident in every note. For Captain Mantis, this EP represents both a milestone and a foundation, signaling the arrival of a band that honors the traditions of rock while pushing it forward with fresh charisma and passion. “Vice Market” is more than a debut; it is a declaration that Captain Mantis has arrived with something worth hearing.
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