By Joseph Mullen
Despite being a band for nearly 20 years, American Football’s newest album, American Football (LP3), is only their third album and their second album since their reunion in 2014. Their new album still has the signature Midwest emo and math rock sound while trying new things to make a new and lasting sound. American Football’s third eponymous studio album appeals to old fans who still love their existing catalogue and new fans who will like the new direction of the band.
The album’s first song, “Silhouettes” is a tremendous album opening. The songs starts with 90 seconds of xylophones and then introduces the guitars, bass and drums. “Silhouettes” is a hearty opening track at 7:21 with most of the song consisting of instruments rather than vocals. Some stand out lyrics include “I’m a cloud when you come onto me. Tell me again, what’s the allure of inconsequential love?” The song seems to detail a conversation between two lovers discussing an act of infidelity.
This is also the first band’s album that features guest vocals. “Every Wave to Ever Rise” features Elizabeth Powell from Land of Talk. This particular track includes the chorus:
“Truth or dare
Love is the cross you bear
J’ai mal au cœur, c’est la faute de l’amour” (I have a heart ache, it’s the fault of love)
The theme with the first two songs mentioned is heart break and relationships, a common theme among emo bands. The next track, featuring Hayley Williams of Paramore, breaks the mold of relationships and talks about the troubles of growing up.
“Uncomfortably Numb” is a track that takes a melancholic look to the life of growing up and the struggles we all face when life changes. The track is seen as a homage to the Pink Floyd track “Comfortably Numb”. Some highlights of the song include Williams’ verse:
“We were gentle to begin
When I pushed you around to break you in
Now whenever I try to be clear with you
I only end up feeling see-through
I’ve tried, but you’ve won
Comatose, like father like son”
American Football have again created a fantastic album that appeals to both old fans who have followed them for over 20 years and new fans looking for a new band to get into during the emo revival we are currently experiencing. American Football (LP3) is a step forward for the band and creates a mold for their future sound.
