In an unprecedented move that has taken five years to materialize, the Australian punk band Private Function has launched a unique “scratch and sniff” edition of their latest album, which is intriguingly scented to resemble Gwyneth Paltrow’s vagina. This bold and outrageous concept is sure to raise eyebrows and spark curiosity, and we are here to break down the details for you.

We understand that this may sound perplexing, but we’re ready to clarify everything surrounding this unconventional album release.

Discover the Innovative Punk Band Private Function

Private Function, the creative Australian band leading this unusual project, has increasingly captured attention beyond their homeland in recent years, thanks to their inventive marketing strategies and provocative album titles. Their debut album, St. Anger, released in 2019, cleverly borrowed its name from the less-than-favorable Metallica album of the same title. Fast forward to 2023, and Private Function has unveiled another LP, titled 370HSSV 0773H—a clever twist that requires you to flip your screen to decipher.

In the past six months, the band has experienced significant milestones, including opening for the iconic Green Day during three dates of The Saviors Tour in March. Additionally, they launched a new album called ¯_(ツ)_/¯ on May 23, continuing to build their reputation in the music industry.

How Gwyneth Paltrow’s Vagina Candle Inspired the Album

As anticipation built for the release of ¯_(ツ)_/¯, Private Function announced four vinyl variants. Three offered different color options, while the fourth, dubbed the “goopy” variant, promised a unique scent experience. The excitement around the scent reached a peak when guitarist Lauren Hester shared a video on the band’s Instagram, boldly declaring that the album smells like Gwyneth Paltrow’s vagina.

This audacious idea was inspired by a candle marketed by the actress as part of her Goop product line in 2020, aptly named “This Smells Like My Vagina.” The candle quickly became a bestseller, causing quite the stir.

In her video, Hester humorously recounts their attempt to purchase the candle, only to find it sold out almost immediately due to the overwhelming demand. “They now sell for over $700 each,” she laments. Hester critiques the situation, labeling it “classist” and emphasizing the band’s belief that everyone should have access to this olfactory experience.

Unveiling the Unique Scent of the Album

According to Hester, the band collaborated with a skilled perfumer in France who successfully replicated the distinct aroma from Paltrow’s candle. The resulting fragrance is a blend that reportedly includes notes of:

• Geranium
• Bergamot
• Cedar
• Damask Rose
• Ambrette Seed

With this unique scent profile in hand, Private Function partnered with a record plant to infuse this aromatic concoction into a limited edition pressing of their new album. The result is a record that has garnered as much intrigue and popularity as the original candle, with the $150 “Goopy” variant already available for purchase on Private Function’s website.

For fans who may have missed out on the scented variant, there are still opportunities to obtain a copy of _(ツ)_/¯ in two alternative color versions, which unfortunately do not carry any special scents beyond the traditional smell of vinyl. However, this album does come with a Private Function-branded magnifying glass, allowing fans to appreciate the “world’s first microscopic artwork” featured on the cover.