We could all use a good pick-me-up right now. Nearly everywhere we turn is a reminder of our seemingly inevitable dystopian destiny – a dismal melancholy that can spiral even the Panglossian acolyte into a great depression. If this sounds familiar, it would behoove you to take a listen to this jaunty tune “Anything Could Happen,” which is a guaranteed head-bopping face-contorter – in no time at all that frown will transform into, dare I say, a smile. In fact, one might even suggest that it would be academic for you to listen!
Cheesy pun aside, “Anything Could Happen” by Irish alt/rock outlet The Academic is a jovial hit – a true ray of sunshine in the darkness. Even the video – a crowd-sourced collection of couples at home during the lockdown – is a testament to love and perseverance. The track has a heavy 80s feel – jumping synth, prominent percussion, and a catchy vocal. In fact, the opening synth mirrors “Cars” by Gary Numan (which, although seemingly an 80s staple, was released in 1979). The song actually takes a bit of a time jump from 80s-style verse to a sing-song, anthemic chorus where the band chants “anything could happen” and pairs this with some well-placed “oo..oos.” It all comes together at the end and, yup, there it is, a smile. See, I told you. This is what we need more of. Hey, The Academic, keep churning these out – you are building your music the right way. I, for one, look forward to seeing you rise up the charts here in the States.
The Music Court 
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