By today’s standards, the Academy Is… are considered elder statesmen, with an impressive body of work, a killer live show and a legion of ardent supporters ranging from music fans to fellow musicians. Let’s face it: A lot of bands get complacent and end up phoning in their later stuff. Fortunately, Team TAI remain as passionate as ever toward their craft, their fans and the scene as we know it. The energy and enthusiasm the band conveyed on 2008’s Fast Times At Barrington High was so inspiring, it’s no surprise that TAI placed a ridiculously close second as Band Of The Year in last year’s AP Readers Poll. If the combined forces of new music (an EP of new tracks is slated for imminent release) and compelling showmanship don’t pull you away from your Xbox and into the front row for the Academy Is…’s co-headlining slot on the Fall Ball, be prepared to lie to your buddies about coming, because it totally sucks to be you.