The Academic have returned with their hottest single to date, ‘Bye Bye Baby’. 

It moves the band in a heavier direction following on from their already pretty heavy, critically acclaimed second album ‘Sitting Pretty’ released in 2023, and contrasts with their much brighter 2018 debut, ‘Tales From the Backseat’.

It showcases the best of the quartet while still teasing what they have to offer in the future. It’s rougher and edgier than what is usually presented to us, as demonstrated by the guitars that lead us in, but, in my opinion, this direction is a great thing as the band can flex their versatility and paint themselves in this magnificent new, grown-up light.

The song is about the sheer desperation of trying to hold on and make someone stay. This is reflected throughout the whole track from the title itself to the lyricism, which has always been one of the band’s strongest skills. My favourite, though, is definitely “You’re rolling a dice / Six ways to lose”, with Craig Fitzgerald's delivery and the pessimistic nature of the line, the anger behind the song is emphasised stunningly.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an Academic tune without Matthew Murtagh’s signature bold guitar style, which takes centre stage near the middle, accompanied by the solid drums which come alive during the chorus, gracing the eardrums of all those who’ve decided to tune in. 

The song dips in energy at times, made especially clear near the middle, where only Craig’s vocals and the strumming of the guitar carry the song before it kicks back into overdrive, pulling us in and making the song even more enjoyable than it already was. 

All in all, ‘Bye Bye Baby’ is a thrilling new era of the band and a testament to their hard work and passion for what they do. You’ll be sure you don’t want to miss this new beginning with their upcoming Irish, U.K. and European tours!

 

Madi Briggs

@disc0mbob

    Image: ‘Bye Bye Baby’ Official Single Cover 

 

 

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