Viagra Boys

Viagra Boys are a Swedish post-punk band formed in Stockholm in 2015. The group is made up of Sebastian Murphy (vocals), Linus Hillborg (guitar), Elias Jungqvist (keyboards), Henrik Höckert (bass), Tor Sjödén (drums) and Oskar Carls (saxophone). Their music stands out for its energetic sound and lyrics that use satire and black humour to skewer machismo and far-right conspiracy theories. This is also where the band's name comes from. It's a sonic and visual world that blends irony, social critique and a deliberately ramshackle aesthetic.

Frontman Sebastian Murphy, originally from San Rafael, California, moved to Stockholm at the age of 17. A former tattoo artist, Murphy met the other members of the band during a karaoke night, where he performed Mariah Carey's "We Belong Together". This mix of different backgrounds helped shape a truly distinctive musical identity for Viagra Boys.

In 2018, the band released their debut album, "Street Worms", which immediately showcased their sound: an explosive mix of post-punk, no wave, punk rock and jazzy flourishes, driven by a pulsing bass, wild saxophone and Murphy's hoarse, theatrical voice. The influences range from the Cramps to Devo, via Talking Heads and Nick Cave, with an approach that favours improvisation and live energy.

Tracks like "Sports" and "Shrimp Shack" combine irresistible grooves with surreal, provocative lyrics. The album is a statement of intent, highlighting Viagra Boys' ability to blend genres and mock musical and social conventions alike.

Their second album, "Welfare Jazz", came out in January 2021, continuing to explore social themes with their trademark ironic approach. Tracks like "Ain't Nice" and "I Feel Alive" reveal greater emotional depth, while still retaining the irony and social critique that define them. The collaboration with Amy Taylor of Amyl & The Sniffers on "In Spite of Ourselves" adds a touch of sweetness to their chaotic universe.

That same year, founding member and guitarist Benjamin Vallé died at the age of 47. Despite the loss, the band carried on, and in July 2022 released their third studio album, "Cave World", on which their music keeps evolving while maintaining a sharp critique of contemporary society. Tracks such as "Troglodyte" and "Creepy Crawlers" tackle themes like science denial and disinformation with a mix of sarcasm and rage. Musically, the album explores new territory, incorporating electronic elements while keeping the frenetic energy that made them famous.

Viagra Boys have played numerous international festivals, including Coachella and Primavera Sound in 2022, and Glastonbury in 2023. In 2023, they won the Swedish Grammy for "Rock of the Year" and supported Queens of the Stone Age on their North American tour.

Viagra Boys' discography also includes EPs such as "Consistency Of Energy" (2016) and "Call Of The Wild" (2017).

The songs on "Viagr Aboys" (2025) can charm and entertain even cleaner ears, less accustomed to jagged, grating punk dance meltdowns. The real story here is that this softening of the sound doesn't come with any softening of the message. Between jabs at obsession with appearance (a hilarious video accompanies "The Bog Body") and attacks on modern society at every level ("Medicine For Horses", "Store Policy"), Viagra Boys' dynamite-laced social critique is in fact the same as on 2022's "Cave World" – the Swedish band's unsurpassed peak.

With their blend of punk energy, provocative lyrics and gripping live performances, Viagra Boys continue to leave a significant mark on the contemporary rock scene.