The first ever global edition of independent retailer Rough Trade’s Top 30 Albums has today been announced.
Swedish post-punk powerhouse Viagra Boys take the top spot with viagr aboys, the band’s first release on their own label, Shrimptech Enterprises, launched earlier this year. Formed in Stockholm in 2015 and made up of members from cult acts including Les Big Byrd, Pig Eyes and Nitad, the band have carved a reputation for their chaotic energy and razor-sharp satire. A self-reflective, semi-self-titled surrealist masterstroke, viagr aboys sees them embrace what they do best… taking on the absurdities of modern life with sardonic wit, dance-punk swagger and a surprising touch of introspection. From the pounding punk of Man Made of Meat to the melancholic piano ballad River King, it’s an adrenaline-fuelled return that captures Viagra Boys at their most raw, unfiltered and brilliantly unpredictable
Viagra Boys say:
Shrimptech Enterprises AB Official Communiqué;
Viagra Boys (and/or affiliated shell companies) would like to extend our deepest gratitude towards Rough Trade for awarding viagr aboys with Album Of The Year 2025™.
Sales through all Rough Trade locations and online internet shops have been simply outstanding since its April 25th release, resulting in Shrimptech Enterprises AB stock soaring to stratospherical levels during Q2 and Q3 of the fiscal year.
Shrimptech Enterprises AB and Viagra Boys would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rough Trade and all individuals who bought the record and thus saving us from inevitable bankruptcy due to ill informed investments in the horse medicine sector and/or various pending copyright infringements lawsuits. You will be awarded with Very Special Records and questionable merchandise in due time.
Lawrence Montgomery, Managing Director, Rough Trade
“Rough Trade has enjoyed a strong year in 2025, marked by continued growth across all markets and the successful expansion of its global footprint. The highlight was the opening of Rough Trade Below in New York City, a purpose-built retail and live space tucked beneath our Rockefeller Center store. The new venue has quickly become a focal point for the city’s independent music scene and another step in our mission to bring artists and fans face-to-face.
Across our stores and event spaces, Rough Trade hosted more than 1,500 live events worldwide this year, from intimate in-stores to landmark album launches and international tours. Vinyl sales jumped by more than 20% year-on-year, underscoring the enduring and expanding appeal of physical music culture. It all comes back to what we care about most: community, curation, and discovering music together.”
Emily Waller, Global Head of Brand and Content
“What makes Viagra Boys so special is that their vision is entirely their own. In the seven years since we first got behind them, they’ve never wavered from that authentic path, owning it with a commitment to their music and their fanbase that feels rare and vital. For that, our Rough Trade community has thanked them again and again. In 2025, it earns them the crown.”
The list reflects a sharp focus on independent and genre-pushing artists, with a strong UK–US core and a standout European export presence, led by Viagra Boys. Alongside UK favourites such as Pulp, Black Country, New Road and Lambrini Girls, the list features US names including Turnstile, Samia, Bon Iver and Hayley Williams, alongside European acts like Jehnny Beth, Smerz, Brutalismus 3000 and Buntspecht.
Spanning indie, post-punk, experimental electronic and credible pop spotlighting artists who shape culture through creative influence rather than mainstream dominance. Many are signed to independent labels or maintain a fiercely independent identity, underscoring Rough Trade’s role as the tastemaker in alternative music. Together, these artists reflect a vibrant cross-section of the most relevant and exciting music today.
To celebrate the Top 30 list, a selection of artists have partnered with Rough Trade to release exclusive vinyl variants available through Rough Trade Stores, including Viagra Boys Lead Title Exclusive + Shrimp Sessions Lp, Oklou Remix Ep, Bon Iver 200 copies of SABLE, fABLE photography zine, with 50 signed at random, Cameron Winter Live 7” ft. Try As I May and The Rolling Stones recorded live at St. John's Lutheran Church, and various colour variants LPs from Hotline TNT, Turnstile, Geese, CMAT and many more.
Ahead of its 50th anniversary in 2026, this year has been a landmark year for Rough Trade, highlighted by the launch of its first-ever global Album of the Year list. With seven stores across the UK, one in Berlin, and two in New York, including a new location at Rockefeller Center complementing the existing store at 1250 6th Avenue, the retailer continues to grow its international presence. Alongside thriving UK, US and EU web stores and a series of pop-up activations, Rough Trade’s expansion shows no sign of slowing. Last year also saw the successful opening of two new UK locations: one in Liverpool and another on London’s legendary Denmark Street.
Across its venues and event spaces, Rough Trade hosted more than 1,500 live events worldwide in the past year, ranging from intimate in-stores to landmark album launches and international tours. Vinyl sales rose by over 20% year-on-year, underlining the enduring and growing appeal of physical product