American Football (band)

American Football
Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1997 in Urbana, Illinois, United States
Defunct	2000 (initially)
Fate	Reunited in 2014
Headquarters	Urbana, Illinois, United States
Key people	Mike Kinsella, Steve Holmes, Steve Lamos, Nate Kinsella
Products	Music albums, live performances
Owner	American Football (band)
Website	www.polyvinylrecords.com/artist/american_football

American Football (often stylized as americ anfootball) is a Midwest emo band originating from Urbana, Illinois. Initially active between 1997 and 2000, the group reunited in 2014.

The ensemble was established by guitarist, bassist, and vocalist Mike Kinsella (previously involved with Cap'n Jazz and Joan of Arc, currently performing as Owen), guitarist Steve Holmes (also affiliated with the Geese), and drummer/trumpet player Steve Lamos (formerly part of The One Up Downstairs, once associated with the Firebird Band, presently with the Geese and DMS). Lamos departed in 2021 but rejoined the lineup in 2023.

Although their initial period was brief, their self-titled debut album earned significant acclaim within the emo and math rock scenes. After regrouping in 2014, with Kinsella’s cousin Nate Kinsella joining on bass, American Football released two additional albums — both named American Football: LP2 in 2016 and LP3 in 2019.

Origins

Mike Kinsella and Steve Holmes first connected during their time at Wheeling High School in Illinois. While Kinsella was drumming for Cap'n Jazz, Holmes played guitar in various bands and lived as Kinsella’s roommate. In 1997, Kinsella teamed up with drummer Steve Lamos to form The One Up Downstairs alongside David and Allen Johnson. They recorded three tracks intended for a Polyvinyl Records 7" release; however, the band disbanded before pressing occurred. These recordings were eventually issued digitally in 2006 and on vinyl in 2009.

Following this, David and Allen Johnson created Very Secretary and later Favorite Saints. Meanwhile, Kinsella and Lamos began collaborating with Holmes.

American Football’s debut EP appeared in 1998, followed by their full-length self-titled album in 1999, both released through Polyvinyl Records. The EP notably did not include bass parts, though Kinsella contributed bass on select tracks of the LP.

Within a year after their first album's release, American Football transitioned into a studio-only project as members pursued other personal endeavors. Despite breaking up, their debut record garnered critical praise and developed a devoted fanbase. Mike Kinsella’s solo project Owen carries echoes of American Football’s style; he also reinterpreted “Never Meant” under Owen in 2004.

Reunion

In March 2014, Polyvinyl Records announced a deluxe reissue of American Football’s debut album featuring ten unreleased demos and live performances. Shows in Champaign and New York quickly sold out. Mike’s cousin Nate Kinsella joined as bassist for these concerts and became an official member thereafter. The band subsequently toured across the US, Canada, Spain, UK, Japan, and Australia.

Two years post-reunion, they released their second self-titled album via Polyvinyl in October 2016, promoted by the lead single “I’ve Been So Lost for So Long.” The album artwork showcased the interior of the now-iconic American Football House, a landmark revered by emo enthusiasts globally.

Their third eponymous record arrived in March 2019, featuring singles “Silhouettes” and “Uncomfortably Numb,” the latter including guest vocals from Paramore’s Hayley Williams. This marked their first collaboration with an external artist.

Steve Lamos exited the group in July 2021 due to personal developments. Later that year, they released a single comprising “Rare Symmetry” alongside a cover of Mazzy Star’s “Fade Into You.”

On February 13, 2023, American Football was announced as the opening act for The 1975’s July concert at London’s Finsbury Park. That same day saw Lamos confirm his return to the band. In May 2023, they acquired ownership of the American Football House to prevent its conversion into condominiums. The following month marked their first public performance since 2019 at Chicago’s Beat Kitchen.

Musical style and influences

American Football is predominantly identified as an emo ensemble, with their sound also described within the realms of math rock and post-rock due to their employment of irregular time signatures and distinctive guitar tunings. Their compositions integrate aspects of indie rock, dream pop, and slowcore genres.

Tim Sendra from AllMusic characterized their music as an intimate emo experience infused with jazz-inspired spaciousness, enhanced by catchy pop melodies and intricate guitar harmonies. The niche publication Fecking Bahamas classified them as part of the second wave of emo, grounded in atypical melodic patterns, math rock intricacies, and slowcore influences. Loudwire’s John Hill emphasized Mike Kinsella’s shimmering, technical guitar style as a core element, highlighting his dynamic interplay with fellow guitarist Steve Holmes.

Steve Holmes acknowledged a deliberate departure from post-hardcore and emo roots toward inspirations such as Nick Drake, Red House Painters, Elliott Smith, Codeine, The Smiths, Slowdive, My Bloody Valentine, as well as post-rock groups like Slint. The band also incorporated elements from 1970s jazz fusion, influenced by Lamos's admiration for Weather Report and Miles Davis, alongside 1960s acts like The Beatles and The Beach Boys.

Legacy

American Football is widely regarded as a pivotal figure within the late 1990s Midwestern emo movement. Their inaugural album has served as a creative blueprint for numerous musicians aiming to capture its unique sonic identity. Ian Cohen of Pitchfork observed that although many artists have mimicked the band's signature style—marked by open-tuned Telecasters, use of capos, and flannel attire—the original band’s distinctive essence remains unparalleled.

Members

Current members

Mike Kinsella – lead vocals, guitar (1997–2000, 2014–present); bass guitar (1997–2000)
Steve Holmes – guitar (1997–2000, 2014–present); keyboards (1997–2000)
Nate Kinsella – bass guitar, backing vocals, vibraphone (2014–present)
Steve Lamos – drums, percussion, trumpet (1997–2000, 2014–2021, 2023–present)

Current touring musicians

Mike Garzon – percussion, keyboards, melodica, backing vocals, guitar (2014–present)
Cory Bracken – vibraphone, percussion (2016–present)

Former touring musicians

Sarah Versprille – backing vocals (2019)
Damien Verrett – guitar (2019)

Discography

External links