American Football by American Football
Photo courtesy Wikipedia
It’s been 17 years since their last release, and the quintessential starter-emo band American Football have developed a grandiose reputation among emo revivalists following little fanfare after their initial run, just before the turn of the millennium. Partly eager to capitalize on this renewed hype, their latest foray into the quasi-emo/math/indie-rock genre (that they encapsulate so well) is certainly a softer, more full-sounding change from Mike Kinsella’s polyrhythmic guitar sections and vocal-yelps of their last work. However, most of the poignant beauty of the original is still there. It’s just not as “in-your-face”as it’s previously been. In short, American Football’s latest takes a few listens, but for those willing to take the time and sit with the band who scored the soundtrack to a thousand late summer nights, they will not be disappointed.
—Alec Warkentin
American Football by American Football
Label: Polydor
Score: B+
