Car Seat Headrest – The Scholars Review

Chris Collett
May 2
2 min read

Released May 2, 2025 | Matador Records

Will Toledo, known for his grand concepts, takes his music to a whole new level with The Scholars. This ambitious rock opera unfolds at the fictional Parnassus University, a surreal academic playground where characters grapple with spirituality, identity, and personal evolution. The album employs narrative structure and conceptual storytelling, drawing inspiration from postmodern indie music like Tommy or The Wall, but filtered through Toledo’s signature lo-fi anxiety and sharp wit.

From the opening notes of “CCF (I’m Gonna Stay With You),” it’s evident that The Scholars won’t be just another entry in the Car Seat Headrest catalog. This track alone exudes optimism and romantic conviction, anchored in tight songwriting. “Devereaux” and “Lady Gay Approximately” follow with theatrical flourishes and character introductions, but it’s “The Catastrophe (Good Luck With That, Man)” that truly sets the stage. Layered, urgent, and sharply self-aware, it’s classic Toledo, enhanced with a touch of eyeliner and a full orchestra.

Sonically, the album straddles familiar indie rock territory and ventures into more expansive territory. “Gethsemane” is a sprawling, multi-movement track that serves as the album’s emotional center. Dense, spiritual, and raw, it delves into profound themes. “Planet Desperation” rides heavy bass and bleak futurism, conjuring the kind of existential dread that Car Seat Headrest fans have come to expect, now dressed in dramatic production and narrative stakes. Each song feels like a chapter, each lyric a line in a thesis paper on being human.

While longtime fans may require a few listens to fully comprehend the intricate structure, the songwriting remains sharp and engaging. Toledo’s remarkable ability to seamlessly blend satire and sincerity remains unshaken, having only added more layers to his musical tapestry. If Teens of Denial was a self-aware coming-of-age narrative, The Scholars is a post-graduate fever dream where philosophy and fantasy intertwine under the oppressive weight of crushing student loans. While it may not resonate with everyone, those willing to venture into the world he has meticulously crafted will find themselves rewarded with a profound and immersive listening experience.

With a runtime approaching 70 minutes and a substantial narrative depth, The Scholars transcends the realm of casual background music. It is an immersive journey that challenges and engages its audience without alienating them. Whether you are captivated by the character development or the intricate riffs, a remarkable harmony exists between the intellectual and the emotional aspects of the music. This is Will Toledo’s most audacious and unapologetically artistic project yet, and it consistently delivers a satisfying and enriching listening experience.

★ ★ ★ ★☆ (4 out of 5 stars)

The Scholars is a concept album that dares to be a little weird, a little dense, and a lot ambitious. It's not just an album — it’s a fully realized theatrical experience.