The Academy is...at Islington's Carling Academy
With acts such as U2, Pink Floyd, Weezer, Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Eat World and label mates Fall Out Boy cited as being heavily influential on The Academy Is…there is no doubt then as to why their recent gig at Islington’s Carling Academy was so inspiring.
Going on the ‘Bill & Trav's Bogus Journey’ with We The Kings was a decision that should be rewarded. Both bands are incredible and stand side by side on stage perfectly. Nothing showed this more than when Travis Clark from We The Kings joined lead singer William Beckett on stage to perform ‘About A Girl’. As if the crowd were not already buzzing from a night of excellent music, this just seemed to push them over the edge with excitement.
Singing tracks from past as well as recent albums, they had a whole lot of material to demonstrate to the crowd. Their most popular hit seemed to be, for obvious reasons, 'We’ve Got A Big Mess On Our Hands’, which I had previously heard, but never been so hit by before. Likewise, ‘Neighbours’ also taken from the band's second release ‘Santi’ was as infectious as a cold. The songs these guys were performing were lighting up the stage brightly, from the beginning with ‘Slow down’, an anthem that projected William’s vocals vibrantly to the end and ‘Almost Here’. As the band made their way through the set, they seemed to grow in power, precision and enjoyment, for the band as well as the crowd. ‘Summer Hair = Forever Young’ taken from the band's new album ‘Fast Times at Barrington High’ made a great demonstration of the incredible songs these lads can create.
William Beckett is one of the finest performers you will ever have the privilege to view. When he is on stage, the stage is his, he owns it. He takes control with his confidence, and makes light work of making the show a success. His microphone antics may need some work though; we don’t want any broken teeth or black eyes. According to Beckett, their song ‘Checkmarks’ reminds them of being in the UK, well I suggest they keep this track in mind and get back over here quick smart for another tour.