American Football's latest album, LP4, is a testament to the enduring magic of the band's unique sound. Despite the passage of time and the band's evolution, LP4 retains the essence of their earlier work, capturing the essence of youth and the complexities of adult life. The album's soft, wistful, and jazzy indie-rock sound, coupled with Mike Kinsella's deep and tender vibrato, creates an ASMR-like experience that resonates with listeners on a deep level.
One of the most intriguing aspects of American Football's music is its ability to exist on a continuum, rather than pinpointing a single emotion. This is particularly evident in the band's early work, where moments that initially feel like mistakes are ultimately seen through and refined. The album's off-notes and unsteady rhythm, known as math rock, create a sense of experimentation and freedom, allowing the band to transition seamlessly between different styles and speeds.
The band's early work, including the EP and the first album, made a profound impression on the author, who discovered the band near the end of high school. The album's cover photo of a suburban home, its clear yet contemplative lyrics, and the band's short-lived existence as a side project all contributed to a sense of mystique and exclusivity. The author's experience with the band's music was a defining moment, and the band's reunion in 2014 raised concerns about the potential for cheap nostalgia.
However, American Football's reunion has been a success, as the band has evolved into a more expansive version of Kinsella's solo act, Owen. The band's new music is a true soft indie-rock sound made for adults, exploring themes of mid-life crises, divorces, and responsibilities. The band's understanding of their limitations as young people has allowed them to create a new experience that is both familiar and fresh.
LP4, in particular, showcases the band's journey towards old-man emo rock, with a darker and more foreboding mood. Kinsella's lyrics are less forthcoming but more sophisticated, exploring themes of disappointment and the feeling that it's too late for things to get better. The album's grim and melodramatic tone reflects the band's maturity and the complexities of adult life.
In conclusion, American Football's LP4 is a testament to the band's enduring magic and their ability to evolve while retaining their unique sound. The album's soft, wistful, and jazzy indie-rock sound, coupled with Kinsella's deep and tender vibrato, creates an ASMR-like experience that resonates with listeners on a deep level. The band's journey towards old-man emo rock is a fascinating exploration of the complexities of adult life and the enduring magic of music.
