The Academic

Fresh from a knock out set playing with The Rolling Stones at Croke Park last week, Ireland’s favourite indie outfit, Westmeath 4 piece, The Academic have just announced a date at Cork Opera House on October 26th.It will be 3 years in October since The Academic released their debut EP ‘Loose Friends’ and in that short space of time, they now find themselves at the forefront of 2018’s breaking guitar bands, not just in Ireland but on the international stage. Debut album, ‘Tales From The Backseat’ which was released in January went straight to the top of the album charts, is brimming with uplifting pop hooks, sweet vocal harmonies and youthful exuberance. There is an irresistible charm, undeniable wit, and infectious personality that shines through with the band.  Leaping from mellow, artfully constructed melodic thoughtfulness into wild, explosive moments of raucous brilliance, there’s a surprise around every corner within the music and songwriting, all executed with an undeniable measure of passion and grit. Racking up millions of streams online, selling out venues headline shows across the world, touring and opening for the likes of Twenty One Pilots, The Kooks, Noel Gallagher and The Strokes, it’s a far cry from the band’s early days, playing local battle of the bands competitions in Mullingar.Back then, the rewards were simple. “The idea of just being able to play your own music to a small room full of friends was really exciting,” says lead singer Craig Fitzgerald,“It sounds like a really cliched thing to say, but we genuinely didn’t have major expectations, we have never felt pressure to be something we are not. That mindset has stayed with us right up to now, we feel fortunate and don’t take it for granted that we get to do what we love for a living. Commenting on the upcoming show, Fitzgerald adds  “Cork has been like a real home from home since we started the band and we have had some amazing shows there. The fans down there are incredible."

On Friday Octo