The Academy Is...

A strong follow-up to 2007's Santi, the Chicago natives open this record with "About A Girl," finish it with "One More Weekend" and even get reflective on "After The Last Midtown Show." With a track-listing like that it would be surprising if this record didn't sound at least somewhat pubescent. That said, the band have crafted 12 heartfelt-come-happy power pop anthems that make 20somethings feel 16 again and make 16-year olds feel, well, really good about being 16. The strongest moment comes courtesy of "Crowded Room," which opens with an intense drum and vocal intro that somehow borrows as much from the Blood Brothers as it does Dashboard. There will always be that band that romanticize high school overtop of a few power chords. For now, 16-year olds and 20somethings alike can rest assured that this responsibility lies in the capable hands of the Academy Is...