The Scholars

The Scholars is the thirteenth studio album by American indie rock band Car Seat Headrest, released on May 2, 2025, through Matador Records. This marks their first full-length project in five years, following Making a Door Less Open (2020). The Scholars is a rock opera set in the fictional Parnassus University, tackling themes of life, death, and rebirth. The album delves into the lives of various students and staff, blending narrative storytelling with the band’s signature indie rock sound.

The creation of the album began in spring 2023, after frontman Will Toledo recovered from long COVID and histamine intolerance. The band’s collaborative effort grew during the writing process, with members contributing more to the project. In an innovative move, the band launched a “WebQuest” — an alternate reality game-style website that gradually revealed snippets of the track “Gethsemane” through interactive school-themed puzzles. The full version of “Gethsemane” and the album’s cover were unveiled on February 28, 2025.

The album features 11 tracks, including singles like “Gethsemane,” “CCF (I’m Gonna Stay With You),” and “The Catastrophe (Good Luck With That, Man).” A deluxe version includes a bonus CD titled Scholars: Early Hack, featuring 19 demos from the recording sessions, giving fans an inside look at the creative process.

To support the album, Car Seat Headrest announced a U.S. tour that kicks off on May 16, 2025, and runs through November 1, 2025, with stops at major venues like the Governors Ball Music Festival in New York and The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. Critics have praised the album for its ambitious concept and innovative approach, noting its significant evolution in the band’s sound and storytelling style.