Icelandic brothers Matthias David and Halfdan Helgi Matthiasson—collectively known as VÆB—are ready to pull listeners into their digital fever dream with the release of their new single, “GAMERBOI.” Released February 27, 2026, the track serves as the final high-speed preview of their debut album, VÆBOUT, slated for release on April 17, 2026.
From Viral Cabbage to Eurovision Glory
VÆB’s ascent has been anything but traditional. What started as a viral TikTok joke about a rapper eating cabbage evolved into a global phenomenon when they teamed up with producer Ingi Bauer.
- The Eurovision Spark: In 2025, their electronic sea-shanty “RÓA” took the world by storm, becoming the second-most streamed Icelandic Eurovision entry in history and the most Shazamed song of the Grand Final night.
- Global Impact: The duo now boasts more monthly listeners than the entire population of their home country, Iceland.
Inside the Digital Void: “GAMERBOI”
Inspired by late-night streaming culture and the sensory overload of gaming, “GAMERBOI” is a “hyper-color” explosion of sound.
- The Sonic Palette: Ingi Bauer constructed a beat utilizing 8-bit textures inspired by Super Mario Bros. and Sonic the Hedgehog, blending retro nostalgia with sleek, modern pop.
- The Concept: The song explores the “strange romance” between a player and their screen—that specific state of being so “locked in” that the physical world disappears.
A Collaborative Visual Universe
The music video for “GAMERBOI,” directed by Addi Nabblakusk, is a mixed-media masterpiece born directly from the band’s Discord community.
- Global Collaboration: The video features animation from artists across the globe who met in VÆB’s fan spaces, resulting in a layered, chaotic digital reality.
- The Visual Narrative: Shot in a stark white void, the brothers are eventually pulled “inside the machine,” crossing the threshold from reality into a dreamlike gaming world.
💿 Upcoming Debut Album: VÆBOUT
Named after the obstacle-course show Wipeout, the album title serves as a metaphor for the band’s aesthetic: unpredictable, messy, and joyful.
Release Date: April 17, 2026.
Current Singles: “Þetta reddast” (January 2026) and “GAMERBOI” (February 2026).
