2008 Woodie Awards
The Academy Is...Here To Stay
CD Review
Mike Corsino
Issue date: 4/5/07 Section: Focus
"Our time is almost here ..." The last line of their breakout debut album, "Almost Here," can best describe the future in store for the group The Academy Is... Amidst the cloud that hangs over mediocrity in the genre of pop punk, The Academy Is... came about with a fresh and powerful sound that struck the right chords in the hearts of many fans. Since the release of 2005's "Here," the band has entered the radio and TV spotlight and is back with their sophomore effort, "Santi."
The album breaks out into an upbeat mix of dance and rock, an extremely effective combination for catchy hooks and aggressive rhythms with the first track "Same Blood." This is a well-rounded anthem that is an attempt at breaking down the barriers existing between divisions of people with the line, "We are the same blood / All of us. We are. We are."
The first single off the album, "We've Got a Big Mess on Our Hands," will likely bring the group notoriety, but is a step back for a group with so much potential. The track is no more than a safe bet to add a fan base, while the video features a cameo from Fall Out Boy's up- and-coming star Pete Wentz. This "Fueled By Ramen" musical montage is sure to win over fans, but does not necessarily help a group with much more musical ability than the song shows.
The next track, "Sleeping With Giants," is a standout track featuring a slow and then fast pace along with excellent vocals from front man Will Beckett.
Stripped down "Everything We Had" deviates nicely down a path not taken before on the previous album. Lines such as "Take the pain out of love and then love won't exist" are excellent examples to the upside that this band is able to achieve not only on "Santi," but also on future releases. Other songs, such as "Bulls in Brooklyn" and "Neighbors," show a strong sound that cemented The Academy Is... into the mainstream scene. But, they also are able to display an added touch to the production value that helps the disc as a whole. While many positives, this album lacks the aggressive power that showed great success on their first disc. There are plenty of songs to get hooked on, but the last tracks can start to fade into an area that lends the entire CD to lack the star power The Academy Is... had set their sights on with the release of this album. The biggest problem that exists with "Santi" is the lasting value of each of the tracks. While there are many strong anthems, the explosive lyrics and melodies are still missing on some of the songs. Although there are misses in certain areas, the band still is able to create an edgy beat that will have you dancing and singing for some time to come.
There are undoubtedly hit singles on "Santi," which drop personal lyrics like, "Are we wasting time or is it wasting us? / It's been a lifetime waiting for now, now. / Well, you've got to find a way."
At first listen, "Santi" may disappoint many who expected big things out this group after such a strong debut. While it may not be the same powerhouse that "Almost Here" ended up to be, after a few spins this album will certainly catch on more and more. The Academy Is... will ride the wave of success that other label mates such as Panic! At the Disco and Gym Class Heroes are experiencing. This group has a lot to offer musically and lyrically, and "Santi" is no exception to the rule. This album will help keep these scenesters around for sum time as The Academy Is.. is no longer almost here, but have arrived and are ready to make it big.
The album breaks out into an upbeat mix of dance and rock, an extremely effective combination for catchy hooks and aggressive rhythms with the first track "Same Blood." This is a well-rounded anthem that is an attempt at breaking down the barriers existing between divisions of people with the line, "We are the same blood / All of us. We are. We are."
The first single off the album, "We've Got a Big Mess on Our Hands," will likely bring the group notoriety, but is a step back for a group with so much potential. The track is no more than a safe bet to add a fan base, while the video features a cameo from Fall Out Boy's up- and-coming star Pete Wentz. This "Fueled By Ramen" musical montage is sure to win over fans, but does not necessarily help a group with much more musical ability than the song shows.
The next track, "Sleeping With Giants," is a standout track featuring a slow and then fast pace along with excellent vocals from front man Will Beckett.
Stripped down "Everything We Had" deviates nicely down a path not taken before on the previous album. Lines such as "Take the pain out of love and then love won't exist" are excellent examples to the upside that this band is able to achieve not only on "Santi," but also on future releases. Other songs, such as "Bulls in Brooklyn" and "Neighbors," show a strong sound that cemented The Academy Is... into the mainstream scene. But, they also are able to display an added touch to the production value that helps the disc as a whole. While many positives, this album lacks the aggressive power that showed great success on their first disc. There are plenty of songs to get hooked on, but the last tracks can start to fade into an area that lends the entire CD to lack the star power The Academy Is... had set their sights on with the release of this album. The biggest problem that exists with "Santi" is the lasting value of each of the tracks. While there are many strong anthems, the explosive lyrics and melodies are still missing on some of the songs. Although there are misses in certain areas, the band still is able to create an edgy beat that will have you dancing and singing for some time to come.
There are undoubtedly hit singles on "Santi," which drop personal lyrics like, "Are we wasting time or is it wasting us? / It's been a lifetime waiting for now, now. / Well, you've got to find a way."
At first listen, "Santi" may disappoint many who expected big things out this group after such a strong debut. While it may not be the same powerhouse that "Almost Here" ended up to be, after a few spins this album will certainly catch on more and more. The Academy Is... will ride the wave of success that other label mates such as Panic! At the Disco and Gym Class Heroes are experiencing. This group has a lot to offer musically and lyrically, and "Santi" is no exception to the rule. This album will help keep these scenesters around for sum time as The Academy Is.. is no longer almost here, but have arrived and are ready to make it big.
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