THE ACADEMY IS… RETURNS WITH “2005” — THEIR FIRST SINGLE IN 18 YEARS — AND A NEW ALBUM ANNOUNCEMENT

Photo Credit: Jonathan Weber

Chicago rock band The Academy Is… needs no introduction. Since their breakout record, Almost Here, the group has cultivated a dedicated fanbase. Their core audience remained even after their 2011 dissolution, though reunion rumors have come and gone throughout the years. Now, the band is back with a brand new single — appropriately dubbed “2005” — and the announcement of a full-length LP, Almost There, out March 27 via I Surrender Records.

For some, “2005” is kind of new instead of brand new. The band has been playing it on tour since their performances at Riot Fest back in September. Their fall and winter North American headlining run featured the single as a set staple, with vocalist William Beckett introducing it slightly differently nightly. Each iteration revealed details about the track’s inherent meaning, but its overall message was made inherently clear.

“2005” isn’t about banking on nostalgia or revoking it completely. Rather, the single finds a happy medium, embracing the band’s journey while permitting themselves to move forward authentically. Sure, in that way, it could be considered a love letter to their breakout record, but in others, it’s more like the band kissing it on the forehead before tucking it into bed for a while…after they finish leg two of its anniversary tour.

Sonically, this is the band at their tightest. If this is any indicator of where TAI…’s sound is heading, fans are in for a treat, and new ones are sure to catch on. Admittedly, the self-reference felt contrived initially; however, after a few spins, it was welcoming instead of isolating, the way artists like Fall Out Boy wave to their diehard fans lyrically before moving on. “2005” builds upon the world The Academy Is… cultivated in their early career, but deviates into something more modern and real.