by Harry Hodgson

The Swedish band are back with their third album following last year’s Welfare Jazz, and it sees them tightening, perfecting, evolving and experimenting more than ever with their sound

Opening with an explosion of grooves Baby Criminal is a booming introduction to Cave World, which, with its driving drums and frontman Sebastian Murphy’s signature snarling vocal delivery, shows the Viagra Boys sound fans know and love. Lyrically, it tells the story of a child descending into criminal behaviour, which – along with songs about frogs, dogs or simply just being a loser – shows the five piece can run with these somewhat simple ideas and create catchy, heart racing songs that are almost impossible to turn off. 

And the album’s quality doesn’t falter. Creepy Crawlers is not only one of the most humorous songs on the record, but its satirical take on conspiracy theorists – combined with its hectic sonics – creates an intensity that leaves the listener with a feeling of unease and fear. Lead single Ain’t No Thief, opens with a screeching guitar lick followed by yet more thunderous drums; as a single, the song is already great, however, following the low-key interlude of Globe Earth on the album feels inspired, and means the song hits that little bit harder.

While the five-and-a-half-minute Big Boy is another stand out –  with a fantastic guest addition from Sleaford Mods’ frontman, Jason Williamson. However, it is closer, Return To Monke that provides the real shining moment on the album. The record’s heaviest track, and possibly of their career thus far, the soundscape shape shifts from howling guitar solo into villain-like laughter from Murphy – and really is like madness encapsulated in song – before the closing repeated statement of ‘they’re killing each other’ brings a sinister yet memorable way to close the album.

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