IRISH indie rockers The Academic play the first of nine UK dates at Heartbreakers in Southampton tonight.

Lead singer-guitarist Craig Fitzgerald, drummer Dean Gavin, guitarist Matt Murtagh and his brother and bassist Stephen will bring songs from their Irish number one debut album Tales from the Backseat.

Produced by Tim Pagnotta and recorded in Los Angeles and London, the record features singles Bear Claws, Permanent Vacation and Why Can’t We Be Friends? It followed the Mullingar band’s first EP Loose Friends.

The lads are no strangers to Southampton having played The Joiners a year ago. They head to North America to support The Kooks after their UK dates. The Academic at Heartbreakers Wednesday 18 April tickets £9 at seetickets.com.