The Academic is a terrific band of young Irishmen hailing from Mullingar in Co. Westmeath. They released their debut album, Tales From the Backseat two years ago and when they did it shot straight to Number 1 in Ireland. It was runner-up to the RTÉ Choice Music Prize Irish Album of the Year - respectfully losing to yet another interesting band called O Emperor. The Academic’s love for guitar music from the early late 90’s 2000’s is obvious and it puts them in good company with bands like The Strokes, Weezer, Blur and Fountains of Wayne. I missed ‘em the first time they came through town in 2018, but on the strength of their exceptional first album and the promise of more good music to come, I’ll definitely be in the audience next time. The Happy Medium Song of the Day is “Permanent Vacation,” an appropriate choice given my current employment status for the next month. Stay well and stay in touch! (Please use the comments box to share your thoughts.)