Viagra Boys are the ultimate embodiment of a 'low-concept' band with high-impact music
They play up the image of “punk rock losers” and skewer toxic masculinity, crafting songs that are both absurdly brash and surprisingly thoughtful. When they’re not delivering lines like ‘I warned you, baby, that ain’t juice in my cup / It’s promethazine and a little 7 Up’, they’re subtly writing some of the most unpretentiously eloquent lyrics that the post punk genre has ever seen.
Despite their chaotic style, Viagra Boys’ music is a clever, often understated commentary on modern life. Their gritty, raw take on post-punk is both confrontational and witty, proving they’re much more than just shock value.
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Murphy’s stage presence is equally compelling. Tattooed with the word “loose” across his forehead, he embodies the band’s no-holds-barred attitude. During shows, he dives headlong into a caricature of hypermasculinity, blurring the line between the character he’s playing and a genuine stage persona. His half-dressed, tattooed frame is on full display as he leads the crowd through a chaotic blend of mosh-pit anthems and introspective tracks. The band’s infamous anthem, Sports, for example, begins as a mock-celebration of American culture but devolves into a bleak, raw snapshot of adolescent angst, capturing the anger and disillusionment in modern society. Live, their performance is like a rhythmic “rave,” with each song spiraling into extended jams featuring abrasive saxophone and electronic keys.
Viagra Boys’ lineup features Murphy at the helm, with Henrik Höckert on bass, Oskar Carls on saxophone, and Tor Sjödén on drums, creating an off-kilter yet hypnotic sound that combines elements of jazz, punk, and industrial noise. Oskar Carls’ saxophone plays a central role, adding a gritty, unconventional edge to their tracks, while Höckert’s bass lines ground the sound in heavy, relentless grooves. Together, they create an unmistakably rough, bass-heavy style that’s unpredictable and rhythmically daring.
Their sound has evolved over the years from their self-labeled “welfare jazz” to the more polished grit of Cave World. While their latest music has seen some mainstream success, it’s their earlier work that truly established them as anti-heroes of the post-punk scene. They deliver on a live show with unparalleled intensity – complete with stage dives, long improvised sections, and a fully-charged mosh pit. In support, Australian punk act C.O.F.F.I.N complements the act perfectly, blending the blokey charm of traditional Aussie rock with a biting, progressive edge.
Viagra Boys’ recent show was a testament to their raw talent and commitment to putting on a memorable performance. With long sets, encores, and an arsenal of tracks like Man Made of Meat and Bog Buddy (from their forthcoming record), they’re showing no signs of slowing down. As Murphy unapologetically declares, he’s “goddamn greedy” for wider recognition.
With this energy and style, it’s clear they deserve a Fontaines D.C.-sized fanbase – and hopefully, their upcoming album will be the one to get them there.
