A love letter to life and live music: this is The Academic, and this is why you’ll love them.
Originally from a small village called Rochfortbridge in Ireland, the quartet made up of Craig Fitzgerald, Dean Gavin, Matthew Murtagh, and Stephen Murtagh have caught the eyes (and hearts) of an international audience.
Falling into the “Indie Rock” genre, The Academic’s sound is, in our opinion, the personification of balance – a balance between old and new, between taking inspiration and being unique, between reflecting on the past and looking forward to the future.
This notion of balance – whether it be in their sound, themes, or style – can be found in both their debut studio album, Tales from the Backseat, and their most recent release, Sitting Pretty.
The former was released on January 12, 2018, debuting at number 1 on the Irish Albums Chart, while the latter was released on February 10, 2023 with similar critical praise.
The five years that passed between their first studio album and their second seems to have brought a new shade to the lyrical and musical atmosphere surrounding The Academic. After all, life is rarely ever entirely consistent, fluid, or predictable – this sentiment is where The Academic’s newest album, Sitting Pretty, truly shines.
On one hand, the album features tracks such as “Don’t Take It Personally,” “This Is Your Life,” “Let Go of My Heart,” “Step My Way,” and “Right Where You Left Me” which make it impossible to not want to get up and dance. The energetic vocals and powerful, yet playful backing instruments create a strong, energetic streak throughout the album, giving the band their characteristically alternative rock sound. Coupled with the high energy vocals and instruments, the softer, more subtle tracks on the album – “My Very Best,” “Rain,” and “Homesick” – stand out in their own light. Focused more on their powerful lyricism and elements of melancholy, these songs help emphasize the overarching reflective mood of the album.
Not only does the dynamic between different styles of songs give character to The Academic’s Sitting Pretty, but so does the juxtaposition of deep, thoughtful lyrics and more energetic, joyous music. Most evident in “Right Where You Left Me,” “Pushing Up Daisies,” “Buying Smokes,” and “What’s Wrong With Me,” these songs underscore the fact that The Academic is not afraid to find strength in their melancholy or power in their struggles.
As an exploration of growing up, facing their twenties, and combating the strange sense of fearful excitement and confusion that comes with it, The Academic’s second studio album paints a beautifully honest portrait of life in all its highs and lows. I believe there is truly something for everyone in this album, so stream Sitting Pretty now!
And, even better, see The Academic in concert! A few of us writers at Her Campus were able to hear them live, and the experience was once in a lifetime. 
By the time The Academic took the stage at 9:55, we were already wiped out from the opening acts and were worried we couldn’t muster up the enthusiasm for the band we came to see. However, the second they stepped on the stage the energy in the room was palpable, and the second the lead singer, Craig Fitzgerald (probably the most Irish name ever) leaned into the mic, the ache in our feet was completely forgotten. His enthusiasm is infectious, we wanted to be a part of his stratosphere, go to whatever place his head was at, and join him for the ride.
He danced around and you got the feeling that he was a rockstar simply because he decided to be, and what could we do but believe it? He danced around the way most grandfathers thought they did in the 50s, but you couldn’t help but want to join him. The way he sang the words felt like he was recalling a memory – not a lyric.
The drummer, Dean Gavin, had unshakeable confidence and seemed to be completely lost in his own world, as if the room wasn’t full of teenage girls screaming his name. Often starting the song with the classic count-in, he threw his drumsticks into the crowd which we snatched up. They were shredded to the point of concern, but hearing the heart and soul he put into the songs, the wood chipping off made perfect sense.
Matthew Murtagh, the guitarist and keyboardist, effortlessly switched back and forth, so smoothly you didn’t even realize until you heard his keys fill the speakers. When we briefly met them, Matthew endearingly told us that he had gone to the Space Needle earlier that day, and we’ve never felt more grateful to come from a city that houses a giant metal pole that offers breathtaking 360° views of Lake Washington.
Stephen Murtagh was the bassist right in front of us, underscoring the tracks with beautiful bass lines and providing another level of richness with his sweet vocals. He stood assured and poised, with confidence radiating off of him as he seemed completely in tune with the music he was creating.
Watching them dance around to their own songs, it seemed like they were enjoying just being up there together. It was like watching four best friends sing and dance, and we just happened to be there to witness it.
If you’re a fan of Inhaler, The Smiths, The Strokes, or other bands that a 20-something with a mustache will name-drop while hitting on you, you will LOVE The Academic. The Academic truly has songs for everyone. I’m not exactly sure how a bunch of Irish 20-year-olds were able to articulate and give meaning to my teenage girl feelings, but they did. They’ve been filling the speakers of my headphones non-stop on my way to class, and I know my new found obsession with them is far from over.
Hearing The Academic feels like you’re watching something on the precipice of greatness, and you’re just waiting for everyone else to find out. Until then, we’ll be providing their PR to everyone we run into.