The Irish indie-rock scene is having a defining moment right now, with bands like Inhaler and Fontaines D.C. taking the industry by storm and earning their spot in the limelight. Another band that without doubt is making their way through the rankings and more-than-likely to receive the same accolades is The Academic. The Academic was formed in Rochfortbridge, County Westmeath in 2013 and consists of Craig Fitzgerald, Dean Gavin, and brothers Matthew and Stephen Murtagh. The Academic have been making the rounds through the Irish scene ever since the release of their debut ep in 2013 ‘Loose Friends’ which helped the lads sell out their first ever Dublin show. The success only continued for The Academic with the band releasing their debut studio album ‘Tales from the Backseat’ in January 2018 that received critical acclaim and entered the Irish Albums Chart at number one. 2023 sees The Academic rise to even higher heights with the release of their latest studio album “Sitting Pretty” which was finally released to their ever-growing fanbase this February. It’s yet another impressive record from the Irish band and on the day of its release, The Academic set out on their biggest UK and Europe tour to date. The Sitting Pretty tour sees The Academic take over some of the most iconic and notable venues across the European continent and we were lucky enough to catch The Academic as they took over the beautiful Manchester Albert Hall venue for a spectacular show where they brought the house down. Support for the night came from fellow rising stars Oliver Keane and The Royston Club.
Setlist
Pushing Up Daisies
Anything Could Happen
Mixtape 2003
Let Go of My Heart
Why Can’t We Be Friends
This Is Your Life
I Feel It Too
Buying Smokes
Don’t Take It Personally
What’s Wrong With Me
Acting My Age
Homesick
Northern Boy
My Very Best
Different
Step My Way
Girlfriends
Bear Claws
THE ACADEMIC
Photos + Review by Lewis Roberts | Exclusively for Music, Why Not!
