Comments:

The line-up is largely the same as on the predecessor "Welcome, Stranger" from 2017. However, it is worth noting that Rodney Allen is back in the group and that there are guest appearances from former members such as Angelo Bruschini, Richard Bell and Gerard Starkie.

The album was recorded over several years, but this has not harmed the overall impression, which is one of clarity in the playing and inspiration in the songwriting. Gerard Langley's lyrics are a chapter unto themselves; he is a wizard with words and he always has interesting comments to his contemporary surroundings and life in general.

Fine guitar playing is another of the group's trademarks, and there have always been at least two permanent guitarists in the group. You won't be disappointed on this front at "Culture Gun" either. There are melodic guitars on most tracks and the music is wonderfully varied and exciting spanning from r&b rock, power pop, punk to various avant-garde approaches. Many members have contributed to the songwriting, while Gerard Langley provides the lyrics; however, with the exception of "Someone", which was written solely by guitarist Mike Youé. Incidentally, it is one of the album's best and most catchy tracks, sung by Youé himself. Youé is also a co-composer on strong tracks such as "Building an Ark for the Anthropocene" and "Apostle Spoons". Rodney Allen has written music for another melodic number, ”20/20”, on which there are fine vocals from guitarist Bec Jevans, who also has a lead vocal on her own, ”Adoration” The fine R&B rocker ”Half a Crown” has music written by Gerard Starkie, who left the group before the release of the album.

As usual, there are also a couple of more special and perhaps less easily accessible numbers, where atmosphere and Langley's lyrics play a greater role. This applies, for example, to the final track "Lapdogs in the Wild". Overall, this is an exciting and inspired album from the group.