Back in 2018, Sweden’s Viagra Boys dropped their debut record Street Worms.
That’s a hell of a record, right up there with the best of recent post-punk releases, and if you haven’t heard it, get on it.
Carrying on with the observational lyricism blended with frequent (and fitting) profanities, Common Sense is at times a little too close to Street Worms, but still very enjoyable. That is to say that there’s no major leap in artistry, but it should still deliver for punk fans.
The title track opens the EP and sees lead singer Sebastian Murphy in an introspective mood, questioning himself and his decisions. It’s not exactly chaotic in sound, but we’ve heard Viagra Boys perfect tracks like this before (“Worms“).
If “Common Sense” makes you think that Viagra Boys were going soft, “Lick the Bag” will ease your worries. Do I need to explain the track or does the title cover that? It does? Cool.
“Sentinel Island”, is a bit of a mixed bag for me. We meet a missionary (John Allen Chau?) heading to North Sentinel Islands with a shit-ton of drugs, only to be (rightly) shot at in an attempt to clear him off. The drugs references are a little too much, but the bass and riffs are perfect. Decide for yo self.
The final track, “Blue”, kind of a trudges along for 3 minutes. The EP could almost do without it; I doubt it will end up on the sophomore record.
All in all, I really enjoyed Common Sense. Give the EP a listen here and find physicals on their trippy website.
AND! they play The Academy in November. I’ll be going, you should too!
G.M
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