EP Review: The Academic - 'Acting My Age'

Irish indie quartet, The Academic, release their energetic, pop-infused EP Acting My Age.

Following up to their debut album ‘Tales from the Backseat’ released in 2018, The Academic showcase their matured and assured sound through six optimistic tracks that explore growing up and the realisation that nobody is perfect. 

The EP kicks off with ‘Anything Can Happen’: a pop-edged track packed with hopeful lyrics. The single, released in May 2020, is a reminder to all of us that any cycle of monotony can be escaped through self-belief, and this is hyped up by the stop-start rhythm.

Following this is the title track ‘Acting My Age’. The introspective lyrics reflect on how we should hold ourselves accountable for our actions.  Craig (lead vocals and guitar) says about the track “it’s so easy to be harsh on yourself, but this is about forgiveness.” The upbeat song celebrates this universal aspect of personal growth.

‘Unspoken’ is a softer guitar-led track with subtle electronic undertones about reaffirming reciprocated feelings, whereas ‘Sunroof’ is infused with a simmering energy and revels in nostalgic memories. Next, there’s ‘Happy Hour’ a retro-feeling track with a vibrant guitar riff celebrating unknown possibilities.

The concluding song is a thoughtful and gentle ballad: ‘Them’. The melancholy vocal reflecting on past mistakes fills the song, echoing the message that flows through all six tracks. This EP is an enjoyable and relatable celebration of growing up and embracing all the exciting chances that can be stumbled upon.  

Words by Holly Peters

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