Car Seat Headrest
The Scholars
Matador Records [2025]
“A sprawling return to form that proves Car Seat Headrest still thrives on ambition.”
Album Overview: Car Seat Headrest began as Will Toledo’s lo-fi Bandcamp project, churning out dense, introspective albums straight from his bedroom in the early 2010s. With breakout records like Teens of Style, Teens of Denial, and the reimagined Twin Fantasy, the project evolved into a full band featuring Ethan Ives, Andrew Katz, and Seth Dalby. Their mix of emotionally raw lyrics and explosive guitar work built a devoted fanbase online. After the polarizing, synth-heavy Making a Door Less Open dropped in 2020, the group hit a wall—pandemic delays, health issues, and creative fatigue all took their toll.
But The Scholars is the reset button—and then some. Framed as a rock opera, the album tackles themes like self-doubt, legacy, and the tug-of-war between tradition and transformation. Split into two arcs—one focused on inner turmoil, the other on broader cultural tension—it’s big in concept but grounded in character. It’s also a reminder that Car Seat Headrest can swing for the fences without losing the raw spirit that made them click in the first place.
Musical Style: This time around, the band leans back into analog territory: big guitars, orchestral flourishes, dynamic builds, and sprawling arrangements. Songs stretch out, breathe, and then explode—much like the rock epics of the late ’60s and ’70s, but filtered through a modern indie lens. The synths are still around, but they’re subtle, tucked into the backdrop rather than driving the sound. It’s a balance of drama and restraint, retro textures and post-internet neurosis.
Evolution of Sound: If Making a Door Less Open was Car Seat Headrest trying on a new outfit, The Scholars is them rediscovering their favorite jacket—and making it look sharper than ever. Long tracks like the 19-minute “Planet Desperation” and the opener “CCF (I’m Gonna Stay With You)” recall the ambitious sprawl of earlier records, but this time it’s a full-band effort. There’s a new cohesion here—less solo project, more shared vision. It feels collaborative in the best way, with each member adding texture and depth to the overall sound.
Artists with Similar Fire: Fans of narrative-heavy, theatrical albums will feel right at home. Think the literary sweep of Bright Eyes, the controlled chaos of Slint, and the storytelling grandeur of Pink Floyd. You might also catch flashes of Okkervil River’s raw emotion, Spirit of the Beehive’s shape-shifting weirdness, or Cloud Nothings’ punchy energy. If you’re into albums that blend character arcs with killer hooks, this one checks a lot of boxes.
Pivotal Tracks: “Gethsemane” is the emotional anchor—shifting tempos, escalating tension, and a climactic payoff that hits hard. “The Catastrophe (Good Luck With That, Man)” is a breezy standout—bright, catchy, and deceptively deep. “Planet Desperation” is the maximalist mission statement: nearly 20 minutes of dynamic peaks, psychedelic turns, and theatrical swings. Then there’s “Devereaux,” a groove-heavy jam that recalls classic Car Seat energy, with a chorus and lyrics made for crowd singalongs. Each track here plays like a self-contained scene, contributing to the larger picture.
Lyrical Strength: Toledo’s lyrics walk the line between earnest and absurd, digging into faith, self-image, and societal pressure without sounding preachy. There’s a ton of literary and philosophical flavor here—biblical references, academic jabs, and cultural critique—all packaged in first-person narratives that feel personal and grounded. He’s not afraid to be playful, but there’s always a point behind the wordplay.
Final Groove: The Scholars feels like a true return to form for Car Seat Headrest—sprawling, theatrical, and weird in all the right ways. It takes the best parts of their past and retools them with a fresh sense of purpose and collaboration. Sure, it’s a lot to take in on first listen—but the replay value is huge. This is the kind of album that rewards your attention and sticks with you. If this is the new chapter for Car Seat Headrest, we’re all in for a hell of a story.
CAR SEAT HEADREST REVIEW HISTORY
Faces From The Masquerade (2023) / Making A Door Less Open (2020) / Twin Fantasy (2018) / Teens Of Denial (2016) / Teens Of Style (2015)
CAR SEAT HEADREST LINKS
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Matador Records
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