Montreal’s (maybe the STM’s) very own King Lobster Krew returns with their second album, Molt, a record that doubles down on the band’s signature blend of surf, indie rock, and Latin music, all the while expanding their horizons. Led by drummer, vocalist, and composer Vitta Morales, the collective continues to refine their sound—this time splitting the album into two distinct halves: a jazzy, big-band-infused first act, and a punchy, pop-punk-driven second half. The result? A self-described “ thick milkshake of 60s surf, indie rock, and latin beats guaranteed to go down smooth but sometimes spill out your nose.”
Waves crash as the opening track, Tanker, a poignant and breezy tune sets the mood, leading into a set of instrumental compositions that showcase the band’s jazz chops. The second track, Monk’s Beach, is exactly what its name suggests—a quirky, off-kilter tune that fuses Thelonious Monk-esque angularity with the reverb-soaked energy of surf rock. Their cover of My Favorite Things takes a similar approach, stretching the tune into wavy territory while still nodding to its jazz roots.
By this point, it’s clear that King Lobster Krew is composed of top-tier musicians—Félix-Antoine Désy on bass, Nicolas Lanctôt on guitars, Thomas Daudlin on tenor sax, and Hugo Leclerc on soprano and alto sax. Each player gets moments to shine, weaving in and out of Morales’ tight yet playful arrangements.
But if the first half of Molt is an instrumental playground, the second half is where Vitta steps fully into the spotlight as a songwriter and vocalist. The Tannery is a fun, anthemic tribute to a beloved drinking spot in Fredericton, while Rock Band offers a cheeky, self-aware take on the joys (and struggles) of making music with friends, “monetize nostalgia!”. The album closes with Danza Langosta, a sunset-kissed instrumental that leaves listeners with a warm reassuring sense of closure.
Like the title of this album points to, Molt feels like a band growing into itself, stretching beyond its surf-rock skin into something more eclectic, yet still undeniably fun. It’s a record that doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet never skimps on musicianship or heart.
