The Academic

On 4 March 2026, The Academic will play at the Melkweg in Amsterdam. The Irish quartet from Mullingar—singer/guitarist Craig Fitzgerald, drummer Dean Gavin, and brothers Matthew and Stephen Murtagh—deliver an indie rock sound with sharp hooks, tight rhythms, and melodies that linger. Their debut album Tales From The Backseat (2018) went straight to the top of the Irish charts and set the tone: compact songs, youthful drive, and choruses that come alive live. With Sitting Pretty (2023) the band refined that direction, more modern in production but with the same direct energy.

The influences are plain to see—from The Kinks to Talking Heads—but The Academic keeps things distinctive and to the point. Live, it’s all about momentum, vocal harmonies, and timing that makes every break land. The set shifts between angular guitars and a pop sensibility, leaving room for new material alongside favorites from the first album. An evening for anyone who loves clever melodies, tight grooves, and a band that goes straight to the heart of a good song.