Review: The Academy Is - London Islington Academy - 17/09/08

It's been too long since The Academy Is have graced our shores but tonight has proven that it had been worth the wait.

Openers, The Maine hit the stage to an already packed crowd to a good response but the sound tonight does not do them any justice. Next, good friends and soon to be co-headlining a tour in the US with TAI, We The Kings recieve a huge response from the crow. Songs like 'Check Yes Juliet' make the London crowd go wild and want more. They do announce on stage that they will be returning next year to the crowds delight.

As the lights go down and as the fans scream, The Academy Is take the stage. As they launch into fan-favourite 'Neighbors', the venue turns into one giant sing-along. During the course of the night, we are treated to tracks from the latest record 'Fast Times at Barrington High' with stand outs such as 'About A Girl' and 'Summer Hair = Forever Young' which sound incredible live but the cheers of tonight were reserved for oldies such as 'Classifieds', 'Slow Down' and even the ever-so-catchy, 'We've got a big mess on our hands'. As the set draws to a close, first album favourite 'Almost Here' brings the night to a fantastic end.

The band kept the talking to a minimum and let the music speak for itself. As frontman William Beckett tells us, they have missed London and its great to be back. The feeling is defiently mutual guys. If you havent seen The Academy Is live, you will not be disappointed. The band live up to all expectations and more.