New album from Car Seat Headrest, “The Scholars,” is a rock opera
Car Seat Headrest, a prominent indie group from the 2010s, has revealed their upcoming album after a five-year hiatus. Titled “The Scholars,” the record is described as a rock opera that unfolds in a fictional college setting, Parnassus University. The storyline delves into the lives of students and faculty, shedding light on themes of life, death, and rebirth.
One of the central characters in the narrative is Rosa, a student at the medical school of Parnassus University. Her encounter with reviving a clinically dead patient awakens dormant abilities within her, allowing her to heal others by absorbing their pain. As Rosa delves further into her newfound powers, she grapples with the burden of experiencing the raw emotions and stories of those she helps. The boundaries between reality and imagination blur as she uncovers hidden underground chambers beneath the medical facility, where ancient entities wield sinister influence over the college’s affairs.
The band members of Car Seat Headrest, including vocalist Will Toledo, lead guitarist Ethan Ives, drummer Andrew Katz, and bassist Seth Dalby, have teased the album with the release of its ambitious lead single, the nearly 11-minute track “Gethsemane.” Accompanied by a visually striking video directed by Andrew Wonder, the song sets the stage for the grandiosity of the upcoming rock opera.
In addition to the single, fans can preview the album and tracklist, featuring songs like “CCF (I’m Gonna Stay With You),” “Devereaux,” and “Planet Desperation.” The tour dates for Car Seat Headrest’s 2025 tour, “The Scholars Tour,” have also been announced, spanning across cities like Salt Lake City, New York, Washington, D.C., Denver, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Boston, and Oakland.
“The Scholars” is scheduled for release on May 2 via Matador Records, offering listeners a glimpse into the musical storytelling prowess of Car Seat Headrest. Stay tuned to experience a unique blend of rock, opera, and narrative as the band takes audiences on a journey through the halls of Parnassus University.