The Academic make triumphant return to The Electric Arena

The arena is electric in both name and spirit for The Academic. As they saunter out to War’s 1975 classic ‘Why Can’t we be Friends?’ it’s to nobody's surprise of disappointment that they kick off the gig with their song of the same name.

The Academic are no newbies- if you didn’t know it was their 8th appearance at the festival, you’d soon figure out based on the swagger and comfort they exude onstage.

Based on the crowd’s enthusiasm alone, there’s no denying their musical ability- as they rip into their set, an element of loudness that’s usually lost in headphones or over the radio is suddenly present.

Though this loudness deservedly takes centre stage, the band’s onstage chemistry is what really makes the set stand out.

Frontman Craig Fitzgerald is dizzying. He somehow juggles vocals with guitar playing, while constantly whirling between his bandmates, with his (what can barely be summarised as) antics adding to the already jubilant atmosphere.

As he careens between his bandmates, his enthusiasm is mirrored back to him at every point: from bass player Stephen Murtagh, drummer Dean Gavin, and most importantly, the audience.

There’s little to no room for improvement to Matthew Murtagh's guitar playing, but from a distance, it seems a mid-solo peck on the cheek from his frontman isn’t unwelcome.

A set as varied as this could never be summed up in a single word- but even then, calling it fun is far from inaccurate. The crowd are repeatedly asked for their contribution, enthusiastically indulging Fitzgerald with vocal support, or clapping, something that contributes to a giddy atmosphere.

A week on from their decision to pull out of the Victorious festival in support of The Mary Wallopers, Fitzgerald voices his content at being able to play a festival where they can express their views freely.

The cheer that greets his call for a freed Palestine shows that the band probably made a good call.

Teasing new music, again the band’s experience comes to the foreground, as they play two songs from an upcoming- and evidently stacked- album.

Announcing their final tune, the crowd, again showing their knowledge of the band’s discography, know what’s next.

What better song to close with than bear claws? As the instantly identifiable opening riff bounces around the Electric Arena, the
crowd waste no time in showing their appreciation.

By the time the chorus rolls around they’ve done their dues, but Fitzpatrick once again borrows their voices for a chorus designed for a setting such as this.