Culture Wars

Austin, Texas outfit Culture Wars brings its taut, melody‑forward take on alternative rock to Whelan’s in Dublin on 25 June 2026. Built around singer and songwriter Alex Dugan with David Grayson, Dillon Randolph, Caleb Contreras and Josh Stirm, the quintet crafts direct songs where nervous guitars, tight rhythms and clear, pop‑leaning melodies lock together. The sound keeps a clean line and a steady push, with a pulse that nods to new wave and post‑punk without leaning on nostalgia.

On stage, Culture Wars play the balance between tension and release: riffs that bite, drums that drive, vocals carried up front, and choruses that land without overstatement. Early singles set the tone; the teche EP marked a moment where their identity sharpened and the writing found a more precise edge. Expect a set that moves fast and stays focused, alternating urgent grooves and bright hooks, with arrangements pared down to what serves the song. It’s a live format that privileges energy, expressiveness and compact refrains, keeping the impact immediate from start to finish.