American Football were ahead of their time back in 1999 with their first record, American Football. The album had a sound like no other. But shortly after, they broke up. Fifteen years later, the band and many fans celebrated the 15th anniversary of the record. That led to a tour, which eventually led to the band getting back into the studio. American Football (LP2) was released in 2016, to the surprise of many. While mainly a sequel to its predecessor, the record truly captured the band’s sound back to the ’90s. With no signs of slowing down, American Football just released (LP3). Yes, it still has the American Football sound they became critically acclaimed for, but this album has a whole new flow. This album breathes, and the listener can feel it. A more atmospheric sound takes control and meshes with the lyrics to where they build each other up. Gorgeous arrangements, great guest appearances and incredibly poetic lyrics create an honest album filled with emotion.
A gorgeous, expanded sound
American Football has always been known for their sound. It’s dreamy, progressive, beautiful and quiet. Their sound has a math-rock vibe that is created with arpeggiated guitar lines, busy drum fills and odd time signatures. Math-rock is usually defined by odd time signatures, crazy rhythmic song structures and long, interesting melodies. It’s still present on (LP3), but this time there are constant atmospheric layers that make the sound more dense. This atmosphere is there on “Silhouettes,” a beautifully haunting track. Layers of bells chime on the song’s intro, leading up to the full band coming through with reverbed guitar lines and a simple drum beat. “Uncomfortably Numb” and “Doom in Full Bloom” also carry this sound. The production is smooth and lavish, with Mike Kinsella’s voice riding the sound waves.
There are also some surprises in (LP3)’s palette. “I Can’t Feel You” begins slow, with a common guitar line from the band. But suddenly, the drums and bass arrive, which completely flips the song upside down. It creates a groovy feel that isn’t very common in an American Football song. “Doom in Full Bloom” ends with an incredible jam of the band constantly changing time signatures from 5/4 to 6/4, letting their math-rock side go wild. Overall, the sound is still very classic American Football. However, the atmospheric sounds really elevate the lyrics and make the album as a whole stand out in their catalog.
Excellent guest appearances
Hayley Williams, from the band Paramore, lends her voice to the track “Uncomfortably Numb” (a play on words of Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb”). Williams is no stranger to ballads and really knows how to tap into the emotions of a song with her voice. The harmonies that Williams and Kinsella create are gorgeous and stand out in the track. “Every Wave to Ever Rise” features Elizabeth Powell, from the band Land of Talk. She comes about during the chorus and even sings a line in French that sounds amazing. According to the Editor’s Notes for the album in Apple Music, Kinsella discussed how he originally sang her parts in falsetto and decided that it would be better if a woman sang it, and it works like a charm. Her voice is very airy and adds to the dream-like sound of the song. Lastly, there is Rachel Goswell, of the shoegaze band Slowdive, on the track “I Can’t Feel You.” She adds backing vocals during the verse that give the track more room to breathe.
Tight, crisp performances
The drums in any American Football record always stand out to me for how tight they are. Some songs may contain complex beats amongst simple guitar leads, but they always sound like they were planned just right for the song, and this is no different for (LP3). “I Can’t Feel You” contains an incredible groove that fits the song well, along with “Uncomfortably Numb.” The guitar lines are always flowing and expanding with reverb and echoes. The vocals are another strong suit for the album. Each song has a different, infectious melody, like in the song “Mine to Miss.” Kinsella’s falsetto in the lyrics, “My head…” envoke emotions inside that I didn’t even know existed.
Recommended if you like:
Owen
Slowdive
Top Tracks:
Uncomfortably Numb
I Can’t Feel You
Life Support
Featured Image: Bandcamp
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