American Football

(Polyvinyl)
by Tim Den

I’ve absolutely fallen in love with this band. Fronted by Cap’n Jazz/Joan of Arc alumni, Mike Kinsella, American Football is just what the name suggests: A slice of unmistakable American experience, filled with Heartland aroma that only Midwestern farm boys could cook up. Not unlike their contemporaries Rainer Maria, The Promise Ring, and the almighty Mock Orange, American Football is made from bits and pieces of open chords, vintage drum sets, reminiscing vocals/lyrics, and breathing room between the instruments that paints a plush picture of the American identity. I don’t mean identity via the stock market, Hollywood, and cable TV; I mean the fundamental characteristic traits that the nation has prided itself on since the beginning: hardwork and passion.

As the opening track,”Never Meant,” sprawls out, it makes you feel like you’re looking over a stretch of country road surrounded by golden fields. In the distance, a few houses layed out sporadically on the horizon are occupied by smiling residents. Beautiful and warm, to say the least. It’s too bad that American Football is only a project as opposed to a full-time band. With their brand of heart-string tugs, I would’ve liked to see them bring their musical painting to the rest of the country. Here’s to the American spirit.
(PO Box 1885 Danville, IL 61834)