Viagra Boys explore society with ‘Cave World’

Stockholm-based punk-rock sextet Viagra Boys are known for releasing satire-emblazoned, gritty post-punk anthems. The spiritual successor of the Butthole Surfers, their energy is unrivalled and has become known as one of Europe's best live bands, and their new album ‘Cave World’ hopes to explore societies lowlifes and the progression of mankind. 

The album opens with ‘Baby Criminal’, a chaotic jazzy rock piece, coming equipped with a fantastic sax solo and groovy walking bassline. The track centres around young Jimmy who appears to be showing psychopathic traits - which is evident with lyrics like “He even killed a squirrel and turned it into a hat.” It’s a fantastic opening anthem that manages to showcase the band's chaotic unique post-punk style. 

‘Troglodyte’ is an energetic, bass-heavy track. The pulsating synth has a really unique sound to it, making it easily the catchiest piece on the LP. The song focuses on a conspiracist and soon-to-be shooter, with singer Sebastian Murphy arguing that this individual would not be accepted by prehistoric man, made clear in lines like: “You ain't no ape, you’re a troglodyte.” ‘Troglodyte’ was one of the songs the band chose to showcase the record's release and it's easy to see why. It’s a clear highlight, with its high-energy guitar riffs and popping synths.

‘The Cognitive Trade-Off Hypothesis’ is a dance-centred track, with a hard-hitting walking bassline which is contrasted nicely by Murphy’s falsetto in the chorus. The track takes a more sombre tone than others on the record – gone is the satire and typical Viagra Boys humour. Instead, it's been replaced with an honest look at the beginning of mankind. Prehistoric and evolutionary themes are dominant throughout the record, already having featured on ‘Troglodyte.’ Yet ‘The Cognitive Trade-Off Hypothesis’ provides the most genuine approach to the subject.

‘Ain't No Thief’ is a definite stand-out piece from the release. It’s a gritty, angry track about pinching a granny's coat in an attempt to win some style points. It’s filled to the brim with that classic Viagra Boys satirical sense of humour, and like ‘Troglodyte’, it's easy to see why the band chose this song to precede the release of ‘Cave World.’ It is quintessentially Viagra Boys, with its hard-hitting bass, Murphy’s unrivalled energy, and of course that post-punk satire.

The boys go all out on closer ‘Return to Monke.’ The fast-paced, electric track doubles down on its prehistoric evolutionary themes, focusing on yet another conspiracist who plans to “leave society, be a monkey.” ‘Return to Monke’ is lengthy at six minutes, but it feels like a suitable length for the album's end. Just like the opening song, there's a chaotic aura surrounding the piece, and everything feels a little all over the place. But somehow, it’s a glorious artsy mess of pure punk that takes an unbridled glance at where society started, and where it has ended up.

‘Cave World’ is a stellar addition to Viagra Boys' expanding discography. Complete with groovy sax sounds, funky walking basslines, and pure, unadulterated, punk satire, it’s a topical album, but one that will surely stand the test of time.

 

Liam Russell

@LiamDRMedia

Image: Viagra Boys ‘Cave World’ Official Album Cover