The Academic released their debut LP Tales from the Backseat January 12, 2018. I came across the Irish indie rock band by way of a couple different people through Twitter. The band formed back in 2013 and has taken their time making this album, for which I am grateful. They can take another five years between this album and the next if the result is this good (but really, don’t make me wait). The upbeat tempo of “Permanent Vacation” has me reminiscing of my late teens when I used to sing along to songs by The Strokes. “Bear Claws” has me planning my next road trip just so my friends and I can sing it at the top of our lungs. With youthful sounds and catchy melodies it has been difficult not to keep this album on repeat.
My favorite tunes are “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” “Different,” and “Northern Boy.” Give these guys a listen, and you will be singing along in no time!