Artist: Culture Wars

Venue: O2 Academy Islington

Town: London

Date: 27.11.25

Coming from Austin in Texas a city that has generated and nurtured bands throughout rock 'n' Roll history Culture Wars looked and sounded ready for the world. Austin doesn't have a particular musical genre associated with it, say in comparison to Nashville or Memphis and thus neither can you pigeon hole Culture Wars. My first thoughts were that the guitars are upfront but not always taking over, I was not getting a large slice of "country" that has been associated with them? though it is lightly simmering in the mix. The vocals themselves and vocal melodies remind me of Maroon 5 meets "Jessie's Girl" Rick Springfield? Enjoying them live for the first time they are ready for the world.

Culture Wars

Culture Wars

The band have put in the hard yards to get this far, with the newer songs such as "Bittersweet", "Lies", "Typical Ways" and "In the Morning" revealing their accomplished, polished fully formed sound that I could imagine on very large stages in the not too distant future...

Alex Dugan of Culture Wars

Culture Wars

They have a clear drive, plus an ambition to play Wembley and who knows? with Alex Dugan on vocals supported by Caleb Contreras on "big hair" guitar duties, Dillon Randolph Bass Guitar, David Grayson on Drums, and Josh Stirm also on Guitar and occasional keyboards. They convey a tight knit-unit.

Culture Wars

Culture Wars

Though not a massive Wembley-like venue the Islington Academy felt like home from home for Culture Wars with an expectant crowd in early to grab the front row rail and get to be up and personal with Alex Dugan just a yard away!!

Culture Wars

Culture Wars

Culture Wars

I look forward to watching Culture wars progress from here on and just maybe their next UK shows may be closer to their ambition?

Culture Wars - website

Review and Photographs by Dan Reddick for Return To Sound