Hot Topic still had metal gates the last time The Academy Is… released a brand new album. Now, after 18 years, they are set to release Almost There in March, and have revealed a first taste of the album with “2005.”
Almost There
Over two decades ago, The Academy Is… released their debut album, Almost Here, and shaped an entire underground era. What followed was extensive touring and two more acclaimed albums. Fast Times at Barrington High was released via Fueled By Ramen on August 18, 2008. Since then, the world has been void of a new The Academy Is… album.
The band stepped away in 2011, then returned in 2015 for Riot Fest. However, their shared creativity didn’t fully revive until years later. When it returned, Almost There was born. “We want to write from where we actually are now,” Guitarist Mike Carden explains. “Our audience is growing with us. They’re dealing with the same real-life changes, the same celebrations, the same setbacks.”
While their 2005 debut focused on leaving home, their upcoming LP is where they find their way back.“Almost Here was the beginning. Almost There is the reflection,” Vocalist William Beckett says. “It’s about checking in with who you thought you’d be twenty years later, seeing what changed, what stuck, and what still feels like home.”
Almost There continues the essence and energy of their early work with a more mature and expanded approach, unafraid to slow down at times. It is an experience both familiar and brand new for fans who have patiently awaited their return.
We’re almost there! The album is set to release on March 27, 2026, via I Surrender Records. Pre-save/Pre-Order it now!
2005
The Academy Is… has shared a taste of their comeback album with the breezy track “2005.” The groovy yet gentle instrumental frames Beckett’s emotionally direct vocal approach and reflective lyrics, creating an atmosphere full of nostalgia.
Alongside the single is a music video, directed by Tyler Common. In it, the band is depicted playing among cool-toned purples, blues, greens, and nature imagery created by a projector.
20th Anniversary Tour
Fans’ suspicions of the band’s return were confirmed last year with the announcement of their Almost Here 20th Anniversary Tour. It was completed by high-energy sets filled with songs that shaped the mid-2000s. With overwhelming positive responses and many shows selling out immediately, a second leg has been added.
The tour begins on April 10 in Buffalo, New York, before traveling the United States and Canada with dates in Nashville, Atlanta, Seattle, and more. It will commence on May 9, in San Diego, California at The Observatory North Park. Tickets and information are available here!
ALMOST HERE 20TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR 2026
APRIL
10 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom
11 – Toronto, ON – Danforth Music Hall
15 – Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre
16 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl Nashville
18 – Tampa, FL – The Ritz Ybor
19 – Orlando, FL – House of Blues Orlando
24 – Austin, TX – Emo’s
25 – Dallas, TX – The Echo
26 – Houston, TX – House of Blues Houston
MAY
1 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theater
2 – Seattle, WA – Showbox at The Market
7 – Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades
8 – Berkeley, CA – The UC Theatre
9 – San Diego, CA – The Observatory North Park
