American FootballLP3

American Football’s self-titled debut album was nothing short of iconic.

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A pivotal insertion into the American Midwest emo wave of the 90s, American Football carved themselves a fast reputation in a short-lived career. Reunited in 2014, then LP2 happened in 2016, and we wondered if the magic had died with the band’s youth. Back with their third self-titled offering, the Illinois rockers have retained all the complexity of adolescent emotion as they’ve mastered the art of carrying it over mature music.

Beautiful instrumental performances, moody ambience, and a mature take on emo-rock means LP3 is an enjoyable listen, even if it does veer on the edge of easy listening.

LP3 is hypnotic, lush, taking you away to a place of pensive wisdom. Whether the boisterous builds are meant to be triumphant or angsty is up to the listener. There’s still room for personal interpretation amidst the regretful sentiments of tracks like Heir Apparent, and the change in mindset that comes with ageing as told in Uncomfortably Numb.

A step up from its predecessor, LP3 is moving without being overwrought, a great example of what can happen to emo after you’ve grown up. Beautiful instrumental performances, moody ambience, and a mature take on emo-rock means LP3 is an enjoyable listen, even if it does veer on the edge of easy listening. Best to approach this release with no expectations as to what American Football coulda, woulda, shoulda. Set aside their history and treat this release as coming from an entirely new band.

STANDOUT TRACKS: Silhouette, Uncomfortably Numb, Heir Apparent
STICK THIS NEXT TO: Foxing, Modern Baseball, Cap’n Jazz