The Academic – ‘Different’ – Review

Hailing from Co. Mullingar, The Academic are a strikingly young four piece who conjure up the spirit and exuberance of mid 2000’s era Kings of Leon. Having watched a buzz build over the past year, following the music video for the excellent ‘Bear Claws’ and some impressive festival performances (a rip-roaring set at last year’s electric picnic being a particular highlight), the band have finally got around to releasing their debut single. ‘Different’ is a short and snappy hook-laden pop rock song with a chorus that has “future festival anthem” written all over it. It benefits from flawless production that’s polished whilst never smoothing off the rough edges of the band’s sound. While the arrangement and instrumentation veers perilously close to the aforementioned King’s ubiquitous ‘Sex on Fire’, the song bounces with a youthful energy rarely seen in that band’s last few releases. ‘Different’ is an excellent introduction to a band for whom the sky really is the limit. The future of Irish indie rock ‘n’ roll is in very safe hands.

Catch the band playing at The Workman’s Club on the 22^nd May.