American Football’s new album is deeply similar to their previous (and only) release from 1999. The theme of the album focuses on romantic loss, and lyrically manages to encapsulate the listener into empathizing with their sorrow and yearning. Vocally, as Kinsella has previously remarked, the band is unable to keep up with their 1999 style, and no longer has the trailing serenading quality it used to. I recommend to treat this album singularly, and not constantly compare it to their previous release, as they retain most of their lyrical and musical qualities and without considering the glaring disparity of the vocals American Football produces a solid and consistent album. I recommend “Born to Lose” and “Give Me The Gun” as standout tracks.
-Isabella Ballew