Early in 2008, The Academy Is… dropped hints here and there that they were nearly ready to release a new album. While reaction to 2007’s Santi had been mixed, most fans were surprised to hear a new disc was already on the horizon. As bits and pieces were announced, the collective snarl of their fan base on the internet was hard to ignore. A nod to both the Cameron Crowe film of similar name and the school Beckett and Siska attended, the title Fast Times at Barrington High created an instant buzz among fans worried it would be a throw-away pop album.

And as Beckett all but screamed into the hurricane trying to communicate his theme of celebrating youth and living in the moment, fans seemed resolved to see the upcoming album as merely a trip down memory lane straight back to high school.

Two songs are blatant depictions of what are among the most universal and emotionally charged school experiences: being cut down and bullied by those who need to make themselves feel bigger and better, and the elation of getting set free upon the world after graduation ("Crowded Room" and "Paper Chase", respectively).

What has been overlooked is the absolute romance of the other tracks and the album overall. Fast Times… could be a primer for learning to be young and in love. From the intense denial of that first crush in "About a Girl" to the uncertainty of knowing if the object of one’s affection feels the same in "The Test", every facet and nuance of emotion, passion, curiosity and insecurity are studied. "Rumored Nights" and "Automatic Eyes" introduce suspicion and doubt to the emotional equations. "Beware! Cougar!" is a mischievous wink at a young man’s enthusiasm for the tutelage of an older woman. And in what Beckett has described as “the most romantic song [he’s] ever written", "After the Last Midtown Show" evokes moments so tender and intimate that merely listening is almost intrusive.

Musically, the growth and development of all the band members is clear. The phenomenal percussion skills of Mrotek are given the spotlight more often providing strength and backbone. Siska on bass and Carden on guitar add to the heartbeat urging you to dance and move along with the party. Fully a part of the writing process for this album, Chislett’s guitar phrasing and melodies echo the emotion and help convey the stories of the lyrics and vocals. Several friends of the band make guest vocal appearances but Mrotek’s backing harmonies stand out and make your heart ache. And while occasionally glossed over by producer Sam Hollander, Beckett’s vocals remain true to his honest and earnest vocal style. He experiments on different tracks with lower registers but upholds the element of raw emotion he delivers so well.

Fast Times is a return to the enthusiasm and joy of their debut Almost Here enhanced by the maturity and musicianship developed on Santi. They’re back to having fun and making music they enjoy with even bigger musical chops to back up their ambitions – who could resist going along for the ride?

reviewed by Therese