Vultures of Culture – “Catch and Release” [Song Review]

Alternative outfit Vultures of Culture releases their latest single/lyric video, “Catch and Release,” a track from their recently released debut album, Out of the Darkness.

Originally a songwriting project between vocalist Luke DeWitt (Garden of Souls, Universal Sun, Zooropa) and guitarist Dave Goodman (Coma Kick, At Variance), Vultures of Culture gelled with the addition of guitarist Josh Friedman (Beastula), bassist Matt LaFleur, and drummer Mike Birchler.

Talking about “Catch and Release,” vocalist Luke DeWitt says, “I was in the studio with Andy Patalan and we were trying to write a B-Side to Jolie to put out a single.”

Intended for another band that dissolved, the song sat on the back burner until Vultures of Culture got together.

The release of Out of the Darkness, featuring “Into the Light” and “Jolie,” established Vultures of Culture’s bona fides. Their sound merges alt-rock, folk, power pop, and psychedelia with thoughtful lyrics and hard-charging guitars. Already with more than 26,000 monthly Spotify listeners, Vultures of Culture is creating a buzz.

Opening on sizzling guitars and a potent, driving rhythm, “Catch and Release” descends to a gleaming melody that ramps up to punchy guitars on the chorus. The solo section begins under careful control, and then the guitar takes off on blistering licks.

Vultures of Culture, photo by Patrick G

Easy to listen to and wonderfully nuanced, DeWitt’s vocals cut through the harmonics, imbuing the lyrics with piquant emotions, as he narrates a deceptive relationship.

“And I was nothing, I was just a catch and release / Your smile was just a reprieve / Pity that I didn’t see your sleaze before (now).”

Pulsing with propulsive energy, “Catch and Release” finds Vultures of Culture blending hints of punk and alt-rock with aplomb.

Run Time: 3:38
Release Date: March 14, 2025
Record Label: Independent