Rock Group Makes Highly Anticipated Comeback with New Album After 18 Years
After an eighteen-year break, the iconic Chicago rock band The Academy Is… is making a triumphant return with a fresh album titled “Almost There.” Scheduled for release on March 27, the band has already teased fans with their evolved sound through the release of the single “L Train.”
Their latest album’s name is a nod to their debut record, “Almost Here,” released back in 2005. Some of the noteworthy tracks from their first album include popular hits like “Skeptics and True Believers,” “The Phrase That Pays,” and “Slow Down,” which has amassed over 10 million streams on Spotify.
Fans of The Academy Is… can look forward to a more contemporary and grounded sound in their upcoming album, featuring introspective and mature lyrics that explore themes such as family dynamics, youthful aspirations, and rekindling connections after years of separation.
Co-founder Mike Carden shared insights on the album’s creation process, revealing, “William [Beckett] and I made the first record at nineteen and walked away at twenty-eight.” He emphasized that “Almost There” encapsulates all the experiences and growth that occurred during the band’s hiatus.
Following the success of their initial debut, The Academy Is… went on to release two additional albums, “Santi” and “Fast Times at Barrington High,” during the early 2000s. The group disbanded in 2011 but has sporadically reunited over the years for special concerts and appearances at music festivals.
The inspiration for their latest album struck when The Academy Is… came together once again in 2023 to perform at the When We Were Young festival in Las Vegas. Reflecting on their musical journey, Beckett remarked, “Almost Here was about leaving home. This album is about finding your way back. It’s the other end of the spectrum.”
In March 2026, the band officially announced the upcoming release of “Almost There,” accompanied by the debut single “2005.” This track candidly delves into the transformations that the band members have undergone since their breakthrough in 2005, staying true to the group’s signature blend of energetic guitars and driving drums.
Music enthusiasts can mark their calendars for March 27 to experience The Academy Is…’s latest project in its entirety when “Almost There” becomes available for streaming and purchase. In the meantime, the band has unveiled their final single, “L Train,” offering a glimpse of the musical evolution awaiting eager listeners.
The return of The Academy Is… after nearly two decades has undoubtedly stirred up excitement in the music industry, promising a fresh collection of songs that showcase the band’s growth, creativity, and enduring passion for storytelling through music.