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...

The long awaited return of Manchester’s finest loved rock starlet Liam Gallagher is finally upon us. Yep. Finally. His debut solo album ‘As You Were’ hit the shops (or the internet, rather) on the 6 th October, with a 12-set track listing, accompanied by three bonus songs for the deluxe edition. The ongoing rift between Liam and his brother Noel, who is set to release his own third-generation solo material next month to go head to head with his younger, has often split fans and risen the age-old debate of which Gallagher is best. Liam, being his own humble self (that’s not a joke, by the way), has said in recent interviews that he knows he’ll never be a good a songwriter as Noel. The fact that the pair have always been at each others throats and of course, came from the same mother, at least gives us a cause to choose our favourite – but as some scepticals say, in many ways, they’re both as bad (and good) as each other. Noel’s next effort with the High Flying Birds ...