Confession time, I've only recently started to like the band American Football. As someone that claims to like "emo" music, this is probably considered a crime. I always found the music too sprawling and spacious and it seemed to have hardly any lyrics that never meant anything. Honestly? I couldn't see why they are on this pedestal. Fast forward to 2020, when all we were allowed to do was either stay home or drive in isolation.
As the summer ends, I was driving home from working solo in the field (one of the things I was allowed to do at work), I played American Footfall on a whim and holly cow did it ever slam me hard in the emotions. That feeling of isolation, along with the fading lights displaying the country side, just set everything up perfectly. All of a sudden the sprawling instrumentals were guiding me to some feelings that needed to be let out and explored. It was very cathartic. Sometimes you need to be in the right environment and head space for something to finally click.
I've been inspired to write about American Football (finally) because they came up in the news for buying a certain house. That's right, the infamous house that's on the cover of their albums. This is what them and their label said:
"[W]e made a pact with our friends to protect the house from developers and likely demolition. A few days ago, we held true to this promise and formally signed the closing papers, preserving both the space and its unique legacy within the community that shaped its existence."
This is just one example of how the Kinsella's have been integral in forming and preserving the scene they are part of. They have also been in multiple other musical projects, that are still going strong today. This is why I think the band deserves all the praise that they get for being emo legends. For sure.
Bonus: Find how many song titles I incorporated into this blog and you will win a virtual high five from me!
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Highlighted song and lyrics:
Never Meant - "I just think it's best/Cause you can't miss what you forget"
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Similar bands to check out:
Cap'n Jazz, Owen, Owls, LIES
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Reviews and links to check out:
If You're Listening Podcast- Album listen through
Pitchfork.com- Review (reissue)
100 Words or Less Podcast- Interview
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