Vice City Magic is Mustard Service's love letter to Miami

The twelve-track release sees the band dig deeper than ever before, exploring the contrast between Miami’s bright image and the darker realities many people face living there. Through an amalgam of indie rock, Latin rhythms, surf guitars, and bits of jazz and funk, Vice City Magic is an honest look at a city that’s often romanticised but rarely understood in full.

The three-piece use storytelling to paint a more complicated picture of the place they call home. On tracks like “High Roller” and “The Ballad of Billy Bob,” they speak about how big money and flashy development have forced out local communities. Billy Bob becomes a symbol for those left behind and for the people who love their city but are being pushed out by the very things that once made it special. The themes are heavy, but the music stays catchy and full of spirit.

“Yucky’s Song” tackles the anxiety that comes from being seen and judged by others. Frontman Marco Rivero Ochoa shares, “Feeling anxious and meta-perceived? Mustard Service too! ‘Yucky’s Song’ deals with the feelings that come along with existing in the minds of others and the desire to not. An ultimately futile effort but a beautiful wish nonetheless!” It’s the kind of personal, honest songwriting that hits close to home, however, despite the heavy subject matter, the track bursts with life. Built on a fast-paced beat, melodic guitars that seem to sing back, and the band’s signature velvet-smooth vocals, it’s effortlessly cool and packed with feel-good energy.

“Let Me Call You Baby” leans into a romantic, old-school charm, carried by slow, funky rhythms and guitar work that is reminiscent of a vintage love song. With a laid-back groove and twinkly, slightly cheesy synths, the track gradually slows down, like a record running out of speed, emphasising the song’s nostalgic vibe. Whereas, the quirky, synth-laden “Telephone” brings a lighter touch, showing the fun, warmth, and resilience that runs through Miami’s culture. Even when the band highlights problems, there’s always a sense of hope and love underneath. Vice City Magic is a messy, emotional, and very real tribute to The Magic City.