Viagra Boys Tease 'Emotional' New Chapter After Surprise Album Success

Swedish post-punk outfit Viagra Boys are coming off a massive wave of critical acclaim following their breakthrough album *Viagr Aboys*, but the band remains decidedly humble about their growing status. While catching up backstage at the Reading Festival after playing a high-energy set on the Gallery Stage, the Swedish six-piece reflected on their recent accomplishments and offered a glimpse into the emotional sound shaping their prospective new tracks. Despite the huge response to *Viagr Aboys*, lead singer Sebastian Murphy revealed that he never saw the record's massive impact coming. When questioned about whether the group felt they were assembling something truly remarkable during the studio sessions, Murphy joked about possessing way too much self-doubt to harbor those kinds of grandiose thoughts. Keyboardist Elias Jungqvist agreed with that self-deprecating outlook, adding that once a musician starts feeling completely confident about their work, it usually signals that it is time to wrap up the project and call it a day. Guitarist Linus Hillborg echoed those sentiments, admitting he was genuinely shocked by how enthusiastically fans embraced the project. The record marked a major milestone for the group, serving as the very first time Viagra Boys officially earned a self-production credit on one of their full-length releases. To achieve the right sound, the band teamed up with Pelle Gunnerfeldt, the respected producer and member of influential Swedish rock group Fireside, to guide the record across the finish line.

Navigating the studio as co-producers alongside Gunnerfeldt required a delicate equilibrium between outside oversight and internal vision. Murphy noted that receiving input from an impartial third party can be a double-edged sword, making the choice of creative collaborators absolutely essential. However, Murphy emphasized that the band already gets plenty of fresh perspectives internally because of how many members make up the roster. With six musicians constantly pitching concepts in the studio, conflicting opinions are inevitable. Murphy described this internal debate as a thoroughly healthy part of their creative routine. When one band member introduces an idea and another completely despises it, the group uses that creative tension to filter out weak material and refine their strongest tracks before taking them on the road.

BUZZBEAT

That push-and-pull method has set the foundation for their next phase of music. As the Swedish rockers start teasing new material following their Reading Festival appearance, they are teasing a shift toward more emotional territory while retaining the punchy, unpredictable edge that put them on the map. As their fan base expands globally, Viagra Boys continue to prove that a little self-loathing might just be their secret weapon.