With their self-titled album, the American Football introduced themselves to the indie - rock world as a band that simply could not be ignored. Fifteen years since its release, American Football's self-titled debut is going to be re-released via the US indie Polyvinyl catalogue and the deluxe edition designed for the occasion will appeal not only the fans of the band but all music-on-vinyl addicted.
The trio of Mike Kinsella (Cap'n Jazz, Owen, Owls), Steve Lamos, and Steve Holmes that form American Football need no introduction for most people, however, for the less informed, they are a band that combines elements of pretty much every wave of emo music with math rock and indie rock elements. America Football became popular in a very traditional way: by releasing a really good album and touring.
It’s a bit difficult to find the proper tag for the sound of the band. Their music is at times reminiscent of the midwest emo scene, other times is pretty math rock but most of the times the sound is a blend of so many different styles of music. Some songs, such as the opening ‘Never Meant’, have a pursuing rhythm, others instead - ‘The Summer Ends’ or ‘For Sure’ are a clear example - are soft and relaxing . The common characteristic of the all tracks is the essence of euphoria coming from the exuberance and joy spread all over the album. Each track on the album could be a single, each one has its sound and each one has its own theme. The eclecticism of American Football is impressive and this is for sure an album that deserves attention.
The reissue will include two discs: the first one is composed by the famous nine movements we already enjoyed at the band’s debut. Disc two comprehends live recordings, demos, and other previously-unreleased material, as well as new liner notes and photos of the band. I have to admit that I really enjoyed the live recordings that proof the talent of these guys.
Listening to American Football is an enjoyable experience. From the first guitar note on opener ‘Never Meant’, American Football create a sunny day mood and the 8 tracks that follow sustain and even amplify that feeling, revealing the band's range as they play close to the vest. Careful listeners will also note that there’s even a nostalgic vein throughout some songs but it never affects the positive mood of the record. It’s that kind of music that is able also to warm the coldest nights and populate the most empty cities.
Highlights of the album are for sure the guitar progressions and the catchy and creative drums that give the rhythm to the whole composition. Guitars and drums are well mixed along with the rest of the band and there’s a perfect alternation between them. If you focus on guitars you discover a song; focusing on drums you are on another level and the same song seems different. There are instrumental tracks, and ‘The One With The Wurlitzer’ is one of my favorite among them, but the majority of the songs have vocals and this is another album’s key element. Like the music that weaves around it, the Kinsella’s voice is singularly beautiful, and more diverse than it’s given credit for.
The instrumental ‘The One With The Wurlitzer’ is exactly the song one would expect to close American Football: in sending the record off into the sunset, it’s soothing and delicate and leave the listener with the nostalgia of the American trio.
