Viagra Boys Street Worms: A Review

Viagra Boys, a Swedish punk band formed in 2015, released their debut album Street Worms in 2018. The album is a raw and energetic mix of punk, post-punk, and garage rock that tackles themes of masculinity, addiction, and societal issues. In this review, well dive deep into the album and explore its various aspects.

The Sound

Street Worms is a loud, abrasive, and unapologetic album. The bands sound is a mix of punk, post-punk, and garage rock, with influences ranging from The Stooges to The Fall. The instrumentation is raw and ferocious, with distorted guitars, pounding drums, and blaring saxophones. The vocals are equally intense, with lead singer Sebastian Murphys gritty voice delivering the lyrics with a snarl.

The albums opener Down in the Basement sets the tone for the rest of the record with its driving rhythm, screeching saxophone, and Murphys howls. Other standout tracks include Frogstrap, which features a catchy riff and a sing-along chorus, and Sports, a raucous anthem that tackles toxic masculinity.

The Lyrics

One of the highlights of Street Worms is its lyrical content. The songs on the album tackle a range of topics, from addiction to societal issues to personal struggles. The lyrics are often dark and introspective, but they are also infused with humor and wit.

The song Worms is a perfect example of this. The track is a tongue-in-cheek take on addiction, with Murphy singing lines like Ive got worms in my brain / And dirt in my veins / Im addicted to the game / But I dont know the rules. Other tracks like Just Like You and Amphetanarchy explore societal issues like income inequality and drug abuse.

The Themes

Street Worms is an album that explores various themes related to masculinity. Many of the songs on the record tackle toxic masculinity and the pressure to conform to certain societal expectations. The track Sports is a scathing critique of toxic masculinity, with Murphy singing lines like Im not into sports / Im not into cars / Im just into girls who are into that stuff.

The album also explores addiction and its effects on individuals and society. Tracks like Frogstrap and Worms delve into the dark side of addiction, while Slow Learner is a cathartic anthem about overcoming addiction.

The Reception

Street Worms was met with critical acclaim upon its release. The album was praised for its raw energy, powerful lyrics, and unique blend of punk, post-punk, and garage rock. It has since become a cult favorite among fans of punk and alternative music.

The success of Street Worms has also led to increased recognition for Viagra Boys. The band has toured extensively in Europe and North America, playing at festivals like Coachella and Primavera Sound. They have also gained a reputation for their energetic live shows.

Viagra Boys Street Worms

Overall, Street Worms is an impressive debut album from Viagra Boys. The record is an intense and unapologetic exploration of masculinity, addiction, and societal issues. The bands unique blend of punk, post-punk, and garage rock creates a sound that is both raw and powerful. With Street Worms, Viagra Boys have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the world of punk music.