Viagra Boys - Welfare Jazz (Album Review)

Picture: Marcus Wilen

With the way forward for international democracy in a deadly, but darkly comedian, place, it’s in all probability an excellent time for a brand new launch from Stockholm-based satirical edgelords Viagra Boys.

The post-punk quintet’s second album ‘Welfare Jazz’ is an brisk train in scuzz-rock fusion that demonstrates a pretty versatility, but additionally the constraints inherent in calling your band Viagra Boys.

We open with the only Ain’t Good, a breakup tune that lists singer (and tattoo artist) Sebastian Murphy’s emotional issues in growling, sardonic couplets:

“I will borrow your stuff and by no means put it again / I am kinda hungry, are you able to get me a snack? / Nicely, belief me honey, you do not need me / I will begin screaming for those who take a look at me humorous.”

The video matches its merciless humour—it includes a monitoring shot of Murphy stumbling down a metropolis avenue inflicting nihilistic hassle like a latter day Richard Ashcroft.

A few of his shouty proselytising recollects one other indie singer from the flip of the century: Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist of the Hives. This vocal model crops up on Secret Canine Agent, a tune that ratchets up Murphy’s fixation along with his canines, and Toad, the place a guitar dirge is matched with rock-priest spoken phrase.

Elsewhere, Creatures is a excessive level, with synth bass main a disco-pop observe with a driving rhythm and catchy refrain. And whereas the album by no means actually broaches the jazz described within the title, the balladic To the Nation and In Spite of Ourselves supply tonal variation. These two closing tracks exhibit nuanced emotional affect by way of a thick slice of Americana (Murphy hails from San Francisco) that rounds issues off handsomely.

For probably the most half, ‘Welfare Jazz’ is an honest, serviceable indie-punk document, however it additionally falls between two stools. It doesn’t fairly have the anarchic flavour of Fats White Household or Osees, and it doesn’t have the machine-tooled bangers of Fontaines DC or the Hives themselves. Regardless of all of the tattoos and hardcore tendencies, the document lacks both extra musical invention or punk primitivism. That band identify is perhaps getting in the best way.

Viagra Boys Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:

Tue June 01 2021 – BRIGHTON Brighton Concorde 2

Wed June 02 2021 – NEWCASTLE Newcastle College Pupil Union

Thu June 03 2021 – GLASGOW Queen Margaret Union

Fri June 04 2021 – LONDON Village Underground

Sat June 05 2021 – LIVERPOOL Invisible Wind Manufacturing unit

Solar June 06 2021 – DUBLIN Academy

Tue June 08 2021 – MANCHESTER O2 Ritz

Wed June 09 2021 – BIRMINGHAM Mill

Thu June 10 2021 – BRISTOL SWX