EP REVIEW: The Academic Release New EP ‘ACTING MY AGE’
EP REVIEW: The Academic Release New EP ‘ACTING MY AGE’
Ireland’s most exciting new export has landed in the U.S.
Irish indie band, The Academic recently released their new EP, Acting My Age. Hailing from near Mullingar in the Irish midlands, the band has been playing together since school, creating an easy and connected dynamic as they create their music. After making waves with a number one album and sold-out shows around the UK (and even being hand-selected by Mick Jagger to open for The Rolling Stones in Dublin!), the six-track project marks a turning point in their career as they expand beyond their home country.
The EP opens with the band’s debut single “Anything Could Happen,” produced by Kaiser Chiefs’ Nick Hodgson, which sounds like it could be the opening track for the kind of movie that goes on to become a cult classic. The indie-pop track pairs perfectly with its hopeful lyrics.
The title track, “Acting My Age,” immediately follows with a bit of a different sound. With clear indie-pop roots, the sound and lyrics like “I never thought I’d tell myself it’s time to start acting my age / I know I’ve done some silly things I’ve made a few mistakes on the way” are reminiscent of bands like Blink-182 and The Strokes, adding some elements of alternative rock and pop-punk.
“Unspoken” comes next, adding an electronic element to the mix. Added to some softer guitar, the band sings about those unspoken moments when you first start to fall for someone, those little gestures that confirm there are reciprocated feelings. Unlike the big boom of “Unspoken”, “Sunroof” changes the pace with a lighter, faster pace. Lively and dynamic, they sing “Screaming from the sunroof, pretending I don’t know you, tell me that it’s all cool, I don’t wanna slow you down.” The song is the perfect nostalgic track to blast with the windows down on a summer road trip with friends.
“Happy Hour” brings a vibrant guitar riff on a retro track. Giving off the vibes of a night on the coast of California where the possibilities are endless – “The night is young and so am I.” Before finally coming to a close with “Them” – a much needed gentle, melancholy ballad. Reflecting on past memories and mistakes, their vocals shine through the most on this track. Romantic and sentimental, the song is a perfect choice to close the EP.
Their early success gained them spots touring with The Rolling Stones, The Kooks, and Noel Gallagher and led to slots in huge festivals around the world, as well as a series of sold-out shows across Ireland, the UK, and other parts of Europe. Their uplifting, melodic sound along with their love for a good electric guitar section creates a product that’s both familiar in its nature but exciting, fun, and refreshing in its completion. With a group so young and already so talented and successful, we look forward to seeing how their music continues to grow in popularity and for what comes next for these boys.
