American Football are an influential indie-rock band and Midwest emo trailblazers from Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, known for their emotionally charged music, intricate arrangements, and pioneering role in the first-wave emo and math-rock genres. Formed in 1997, the band initially consisted of Mike Kinsella (vocals, guitar), Steve Lamos (drums, trumpet), and Steve Holmes (guitar), and they are best known for their self-titled debut album American Football (1999), which is often considered one of the defining records of the late 1990s emo movement. The band’s early sound was characterized by intricate guitar work, soft, melancholic vocals, and deeply inward-looking lyrics. Their music blended elements of emo, post-rock, and math rock, creating a distinct style that would influence countless bands in the years to come. American Football (1999) was initially released on the small label Polyvinyl Records and didn’t initially achieve significant commercial success. However, over time, it garnered a cult following and became a quintessential album in the emo genre, with tracks like "Never Meant" and "I'll See You When We're Both Not So Emotional" remaining fan favorites. Despite the album's lasting impact, American Football disbanded shortly after its release in 2000, with members pursuing other musical projects. Mike Kinsella went on to work with other notable bands, including Owls and Cap'n Jazz, both of whom were also influential in the development of the emo and post-hardcore scenes. In 2014, the band reformed, with Mike Kinsella's cousin Nate Kinsella joining as a member. American Football went on to release two more albums: American Football / LP2 in 2016 and American Football / LP3 in 2019. In February 2025, they released a charity album, American Football (Live in Los Angeles), as part of Bandcamp's California Wildfire Relief Fundraiser.
