Not content with letting their critically acclaimed 2022 album rest, Viagra Boys have released a deluxe edition of the record. Luke Bower assesses what the new additions bring to the post-punk triumph.
Viagra Boys deluxe edition of their latest album ‘Cave World’ boasts the addition of 4 tracks to their discography, offering a unique array of sonic creativity, each more distinct from the last.

‘It Ain’t Enough’ presents Oscar Carls’ saxophone mastery at its most erratic, accompanied by the familiar sheer lunacy of Sebastian Murphy’s vocal delivery and lyrical content. The track delivers a driving intensity similarly found in the band’s previous albums, a cacophony of controlled chaos to accompany the band’s manic presence in the post punk scene.
‘Stretch My Arms’ follows, a sombre yet familiar melancholic note to contrast the previous track’s ferocity, reminiscent of the album highlight ‘Worms’ from their debut effort. Murphy convincingly demonstrates the act of overthinking and desire with honest simplicity through the track's lyrics, making Viagra Boys’ ability to switch between musical styles so effortlessly seem even more admirable.
"Sombre desperation, a contrast to the satirised silliness of the album itself, leads the band in an exciting unfamiliar direction"
‘Milk Farm’ finds the Boys’ recklessness back in full force, with Murphy’s comedic storytelling again rearing its head. The track is drenched in synthesisers and baselines, a distinguishable categorisation of the band, accompanied by Murphy’s incomprehensible yelling and yelping.
‘Only Friend’ presents something entirely different in the band’s discography. A simple, stripped back refrain oozing in ominousness and dread drives the ballad, one that wouldn’t seem out of place in a Spaghetti Western from the 60s. Sombre desperation, a contrast to the satirised silliness of the album itself, leads the band in an exciting unfamiliar direction, with the closing track on this deluxe edition increasing anticipation and curiosity to their next full length album.

It is more than understandable the praise this post punk powerhouse continues to receive, with their upcoming UK and US tour accompanied by this latest release of tracks undoubtedly only adding to the exhilaration this band continues to deliver.
Edited by: Ali Glen
All images courtesy of Viagra Boys' Instagram
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