American Football

American Football is an American rock band formed in Urbana, Illinois, initially active from 1997 to 2000. The group was founded by guitarist and vocalist Mike Kinsella, known for his previous work with Cap'n Jazz, The One Up Downstairs, Joan of Arc, and Owls, and his ongoing project Owen. Drummer Steve Lamos, formerly of The One Up Downstairs and currently with The Geese, and guitarist Steve Holmes completed the original lineup.

Despite a limited number of live performances and disbanding shortly after the release of their debut album, American Football achieved significant critical recognition. Their self-titled album is celebrated for its unique blend of Midwest emo's confessional lyrics and melancholic arpeggios, combined with the complex time signatures characteristic of math rock and the atmospheric qualities of post-rock. This fusion created a distinctively sensitive musical style.