In the heart of Metro Detroit, where rock still breathes through the cracks of every dive bar and basement jam session, a band called Vultures of Culture has been quietly building a legacy worth amplifying. With their debut album Out of the Darkness now out and earning attention for its bold honesty and throwback grit, it’s time to meet the men behind the music and understand the story, chaos, and creativity that shaped one of the most authentic rock records in years.
How It All Began
It started pre-pandemic, but the real magic happened during lockdown. Longtime acquaintances Luke and Dave finally teamed up after years of separate projects and mutual respect. Writing together remotely while the world shut down, the duo crafted dozens of demos that would lay the foundation for what would become Vultures of Culture.
As fate would have it, their families were living in the same neighborhood. From remote songwriting sessions to full-on virtual jam nights, the creative chemistry was instant. Guitarist Josh came on board in 2020 after getting a message from Luke, and shortly after, Matt (bass) and Mike (drums) completed the lineup. Even without being in the same room, the band gelled like they’d been doing this for years.
What’s In a Name?
Vultures of Culture is more than just a slick alliteration. The name nods to the band’s ability to pull from their wide range of influences without apology. Luke came up with it. Edgy, sardonic, and fitting for a band that doesn’t shy away from either humor or depth. And no, they’re not subscribing to the Urban Dictionary’s version.
Defining the Sound
If you ask them to label their music, expect a long pause followed by several genres. “A 90s rock band that likes 80s metal,” says Dave. Luke calls it a “melting pot.” Josh leans toward “old-school 90s rock with speed and edge.” Add influences like Metallica, Muse, Jeff Buckley, Pantera, and Foo Fighters, and you’ve got a band that blends melody, grit, and emotional honesty.
The Album: Out of the Darkness
There wasn’t a grand concept at first. This was music that had been waiting years to breathe, some shelved from old projects, some written in reaction to the pandemic’s chaos. The album title reflects the mood perfectly: emerging from lockdown, uncertainty, and silence into creation, volume, and clarity.
Recording began in late 2022 at The Loft in Saline, Michigan. A barn turned studio run by Andy Patalan of Sponge. Andy, a longtime friend of Luke’s, let the band record at their own pace and helped capture their sound without reshaping it.
Over two years, despite financial hurdles and Luke’s vocal surgeries, the band kept the project alive. They reworked old songs, layered new ones, and ended up with a full-throttle album that speaks to isolation, connection, aging, rebirth, and yes, even serial killers.
Tracks Worth Knowing
“Into the Light” – A reimagined Bossa Nova track turned rock anthem. The perfect opener and title reflection.
“Catch and Release” – The track that started it all. Written with Patalan and inspired by ghosting. High energy and widely streamed.
“Jolie” – Not quite about Angelina, but definitely about the insanity of celebrity culture.
“Severed Effervescence” – A dark metaphor about a friendship ruined by something much darker.
“Calm Before the Storm” – A high-tempo gut check about getting older and finally living.
“Please Don’t Sue Us, Dave Grohl” – Yes, it’s a real track. A tongue-in-cheek nod to their Foo influences that delayed their Spotify release. No lawsuits yet.
“New World Calamity” – Commentary on the unraveling of trust in institutions. Political undertones, but more human than partisan.
“The Veil” – An epic closer dedicated to a lost friend. Seven minutes of layered metal that honors and erupts.
“Desdemona” – A modernized take on the Othello character. Named after a woman Luke has never met but always admired the sound of.
“The Light Never Goes Out” – A lyrical sequel to an unreleased late 90s song called Autumn Moon. A message of defiance and continuity.
“Hatful of Hollow” – A Smiths-inspired title and tone. Lyrics about carrying each other’s emotional baggage.
“At the Summer’s End” – Acoustic-born reflection on pandemic uncertainty and political turmoil.
The People Behind the Sound
- Luke – Lead vocals, co-writer. The emotional core of the band.
- Dave – Co-lead guitarist and foundational writer.
- Josh – Lead guitarist, riff machine, and humor magnet.
- Matt – Bassist, engineer, and the glue behind the scenes.
- Mike – Drummer with chops and a voice of his own.
Writing is collaborative but remote. They trade demos and build ideas digitally. The term “jam session” makes them cringe. They’re about intention and polish.
From the Studio to the Fans
Fans are responding. Catch and Release has taken off. A fan in London, originally from Detroit, reached out with love and nostalgia. Luke still finds it humbling that people are connecting with songs that began in isolation.
There’s more coming. A second album is already underway. Shows are planned for late summer and fall. Concept videos are in the works. The band is not just keeping momentum. They are charging forward.
What They Want You To Know
They do this for love, not likes. They’re living the dream, not chasing clout. And most of all, they’re building music that connects.
As Luke says, “We’ll make more. Just hit play and wear it out.”
Out of the Darkness is now streaming. Support real music. Support Vultures of Culture.
ONE VS. THE FEED 
Leave a comment