The Definite Article

The state of modern rock music has dwindled so drastically recently that we’re now accustomed to expect synthesised pop violins or computer-generated organs on each new record we hear. Since Noel Gallagher released his last album, much to the disappointment of rock traditionalists, scissors have even entered the fray. So that’s why it’s entirely surprising when you stumble upon a 10-track LP like The Academic’s breakout record – and realise there is still some good in the world yet. We’ve learnt in the past that the best selection of music can come from the most unlikely of places. But the garage of four humble young lads from Ireland is still one to drop jaws when you sit down (or get up) with a beer in your hand for this 34-minute stroke of beauty. Craig Fitzgerald (vocals), Matt Murtagh (guitar), Stephen Murtagh (bass) and Dean Gavin (drums) grew up in Mullingar, a town in Ireland. They only formed in 2013 but have hit the ground running, and Tales from the Backseat...

Alright, let's be honest. Clichés are overused, but if you seriously don't know who XXXTentacion is yet, you've definitely been living under the proverbial rock. Through curiosity or through culture, you've probably seen clips of him, or at least heard the name, in the past year. X, as he is commonly known, took 2017 by storm. He's an internet sensation, whether it be through his music, his extravagant persona, his spat with the law or the video of him getting knocked out cold by a stage invader at one of his performances, last June. Despite all the controversy, and the fact that he's got a tree tattooed on the middle of his forehead, X is generally quite a normal guy. He's just got a weird name. Born in Florida in 1998, Jahseh Onfroy was brought up by a young mother and passed between carers as a young child. He was involved with the law from a young age, and met fellow rapper and ex-best friend Ski Mask the Slump God (who's two years older, ...