American Football: The Emo Band that Conquered More Than Just Feelings

American Football, the Urbana, Illinois-born band, isn’t just a name; it’s a cultural touchstone for a generation of music fans. Originally active from 1997 to 2000, their brief initial run belied the massive influence they would later wield. Reorganized in 2014,they proved their staying power,captivating new audiences while reigniting the passion of longtime devotees.

The core of American Football consists of Mike Kinsella (vocals,guitar,bass),a veteran of the indie scene with roots in Cap’n Jazz and Joan of Arc (and now Owen),Steve Holmes (guitar,also of Geese),and Steve Lamos (drums,trumpet,formerly of One Up Downstairs,Firebird Band,Edward Burch & the Staunch Characters,and now Geese and DMS). Lamos’s departure in 2021 was a blow to fans, but his triumphant return in 2023 solidified the band’s commitment to their shared legacy.

Despite their relatively short initial lifespan, their self-titled debut album became a landmark, influencing countless bands in the emo and math rock genres.Think of it as the musical equivalent of a game-winning Hail Mary – unexpected, but undeniably impactful. After their 2014 reunion, the band expanded, welcoming Kinsella’s cousin, Nate Kinsella, into the fold. This new lineup produced two more albums, both self-titled, further cementing their place in indie rock history: American Football / LP2 (2016) and American Football / LP3 (2019).

Band History: From High School Hallways to Indie Rock Fame

The story of American Football begins with a classic tale of high school camaraderie. Mike Kinsella and Steve Holmes met at Wheeling High School in Wheeling, Illinois.Kinsella, already making waves as the drummer for Cap’n Jazz, found a kindred spirit in Holmes, a guitarist playing in various local bands. Their shared musical interests laid the foundation for what was to come.

Before American Football, Kinsella and Lamos experimented with a project called “The One Up Downstairs” in 1997, alongside David johnson and Allen Johnson. They even recorded three songs intended for a 7-inch release on Polyvinyl Records. Though, the band dissolved before the record could see the light of day. These tracks were eventually unearthed and released as a digital EP in 2006 and as a 7-inch in 2009, offering a glimpse into the band’s early evolution. Kinsella jokingly claims the band “has broken his fist,” highlighting the intensity and passion that fueled their early endeavors.

Following the demise of The One Up Downstairs, David and Allen Johnson whent on to form Very Secretary (later renamed favorite Saints), while Kinsella and lamos joined forces with Holmes, marking the true genesis of American Football.

American Football officially debuted with an EP in 1998, followed by their seminal self-titled album in 1999, both released by Polyvinyl Records. While the EP didn’t feature bass, Nate Kinsella contributed bass to some tracks on the LP.

A year after the album’s release, American football transitioned into a studio project. Soon after, the band members decided to pursue separate paths. Despite the disbandment,the album gained critical acclaim and cultivated a dedicated fanbase. Mike Kinsella’s solo project, “Owen,” bears sonic similarities to American Football, and he even re-recorded “never Meant” in 2004 under the “Owen” moniker.

In March 2014, polyvinyl Records announced a deluxe reissue of the band’s debut album, featuring ten previously unreleased audition songs and live recordings. The following month, the band announced reunion shows in Champaign and New York, which sold out instantly.mike’s cousin, Nate Kinsella, joined as bassist during these performances and became a permanent member. the band subsequently embarked on tours across the United States, Canada, Spain, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia, proving their global appeal.

Two years after their reunion, American Football released their second album, again self-titled and released on Polyvinyl Records, in October 2016. the lead single, “I’ve Been So Lost for So Long,” was made available for streaming via SoundCloud. The album cover featured the same house as their first album, solidifying its iconic status.The “American Football House” has since become a pilgrimage site for emo fans worldwide, who travel to Urbana, Illinois, to photograph the house.

American Football’s third album, also self-titled, arrived in March 2019, preceded by the single “Silhouettes” in December 2018. The second single,”Uncomfortably Numb,” released in January 2019,featured Hayley Williams of Paramore,marking the first time the band collaborated with a guest vocalist.

In July 2021, Steve Lamos announced his departure from the band, citing life changes. In December of the same year, the band released a single featuring “Rare Symmetry” and a cover of Mazzy Star’s “Fade Into You.”

On February 13, 2023, the band announced they would open for The 1975 at Finsbury Park in London on July 2. Later that day, Lamos confirmed his return to the band via Instagram. In May 2023,the band announced they had purchased the “American Football House” to prevent its conversion into apartments. The following month, they played their first public show since December 2019 at Beat Kitchen in Chicago.

Musical Style: More Than Just Emo

American Football is often categorized as an emo band, and they are considered pioneers of the midwestern emo scene of the late 1990s. Though, their musical style transcends simple labels. They’ve also been described as math rock and post-rock due to their use of unconventional time signatures and guitar tunings. Othre descriptors include indie rock, dream pop, and slowcore.

AllMusic’s Tim Sendra described their sound as: a clean, melodic style that blends the intimacy of Emo with the ethereality of jazz, while adding pop music melody and jingling guitar performances.

Fecking Bahamas, in an article on math rock history, characterized american Football as: a second wave of Emo band rooted in an unconventional melodic song structure, while also containing elements of math rock and slow cores.

Steve Holmes shed light on the band’s influences and relationship with emo: When we formed this band, we did consciously stay away from post-hardcore, emotional rock, and the background of the times we were in. As a freshman, I listened to a lot of bands that influenced our music: nick Drake, Red House Painters, Elliott Smith, Codeine, the sea and Cake, The Smiths / Morrissey, Slowdive, My Bloody Valentine, Can, Steve Reich, etc.Mike has always loved slow, sad, dreamy, lovely music, and I learned that from him. Post-rock bands like Tortoise and Slint have also had an impact on me. Lamos He brought his love for the 70s jazz fusion through Weather Report and Miles Davis. I also loved The Beatles and The Beach Boys, and also some lesser-known bands that mimicked this kind of music in the 60s and 90s.

Band Members: The Players Who defined a Genre

Current Members

• Mike Kinsella – Lead vocals,Guitar (1997–2000,2014–present),Bass (1997–2000)
• Steve Holmes – Guitar (1997–2000,2014–present),Keyboard (1997–2000)
• nate Kinsella – Bass,backing vocals,vibrato (2014–present)
• Steve Lamos – Drums,Percussion,Trumpet (1997–2000,2014–2021,2023–present)

Current Touring Members

• Mike Galsson – Percussion,keyboard,accordion (2016–2019,2023–present)
• Cory Bracken – Vibraphone,Percussion (2016–present)

Former Touring Members

• Sarah Versprille – Backing vocals (2019)
• Damian Villet – guitar (2019)

Critical Acclaim: A Lasting Legacy

American Football is celebrated in the self-reliant music scene for their innovative melodies,introspective lyrics,and remarkable musicianship. Critics frequently enough highlight their unique blend of post-rock and emo elements, creating a soundscape that is both melancholic and hopeful. Their debut album is widely considered one of the greatest indie rock albums of the late 1990s,and its influence remains strong. The band’s maturity,emotional depth,and collaborative synergy have led critics to view American Football as more than just a band,but as a musical phenomenon and cultural symbol that has profoundly impacted subsequent generations of independent musicians.

Further areas of inquiry for U.S. sports fans who are also music enthusiasts could include exploring the connection between the band’s DIY ethos and the underdog spirit often celebrated in sports, or analyzing the emotional resonance of their music in the context of the highs and lows of athletic competition.

Discography

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The influence of American Football extends beyond the realm of music, touching the hearts of sports fans globally. Their ability to tap in to the authentic emotional core of human experience resonates deeply, a quality appreciated by those who connect with music and sports on similar wavelengths. In this article, we delve further into the band’s evolution, exploring how their sound has resonated through different times and eras, and uncovering their enduring place in music and culture.

American Football: Key Data & Milestones

This table summarizes key facts about American Football, highlighting meaningful dates, releases, and events in their history.

American Football FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about American Football, addressing common inquiries and providing in-depth answers.