Car Seat Headrest Unleashes Powerful New Hit: “The Scholars” Unveiled!

Originally a solo project by Will Toledo, Car Seat Headrest has evolved into a full-fledged band. Yet, Toledo’s distinctive songwriting touch remains unmistakable and powerful, just like his raspy voice that is instantly recognizable. Going against the trend of short song formats favored by streaming platforms, the American group offers progressive tracks with epic rhythm changes in their thirteenth album, with some songs extending over ten or even fifteen minutes.

Conceived as a tribute to the rock operas of the 1970s (like Tommy by The Who), the album seems to be intended for listening as one would read a well-constructed novel — it tells the story of a medical student who rediscovers the power to heal tormented souls, only to delve into the depths of her school and encounter rather dubious spirits.

Shifting Away from Electronic Experimentation

Beyond this plot, The Scholars appears to be a return to roots for Will Toledo: guitars enveloped in fuzz, melodies characterized by heroic melancholy, and powerful buildups in the tracks. This marks a departure from the electronic experiments of their 2023 live performance Faces from the Masquerade. The sound on Car Seat Headrest’s latest album is reminiscent of the style of their re-recorded masterpiece Twin Fantasy from 2018. This shift is certainly welcome, as tracks like CCF (I’m Gonna Stay with You) and Gethsemane affirm Will Toledo’s immense talent—as well as the fact that he produced the album himself.

The Scholars (Matador/Wagram). Released on May 2nd.