An absolute masterpiece
Following on from the bands 2007 album ‘Santi’, The Academy Is… are looking to attack the minds and hearts of listeners all over the world with their new album ‘Fast Times At Barrington High’. With a title referring to the high school William Beckett and Adam Siska went to and playing on the 1982 film ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’, the first thing that came to mind was if the tracks on this release are anything like those of its predecessor, then “HELP ME I’M IN HEAVEN!”
Music with a pop punk style, especially that produced by The Academy Is… has a way of burrowing into the mind of a listener and taking over. From the brain it controls the tapping of your toes, the movement of your lips and most importantly the beating of your heart. It contains elements so addictive that you’ll forget about caffeine or nicotine and need that regular Academy dose of greatness.
When it comes to describing the tunes created or the reaction and emotions you will feel while listening, it is quite difficult. There is nothing specific about the songs on this release that you can put your finger on and say “well that sounds better than…” or “this part is brilliant” as the entire record has a big fat WOW factor where no song sounds overly better than another or stands out for a specific element. You can’t help but scream along to the chorus of ‘About a Girl’, ‘Summer Hair = Forever Young’ and all of the other songs.
The only requirement that I would make when it comes to listening to ‘Fast Times At Barrington High’ is “MUST BE LISTENED AS A WHOLE” as this is the only way to get the full impact of what The Academy Is… is capable of mastering. Their true uniqueness and vibrant tunes are brilliant as single songs, but when twelve are placed together in a 43 minute CD, be prepared to be astonished, impressed and left feeling mentally exhausted.