American Football’s long-awaited return to the UK, in celebration of their debut album LP1, began with a night full of nostalgia at Nottingham’s Rock City, as the band showcased their timeless music.
The merch queue was already winding around the corner, but once inside the main hall, you wouldn’t have guessed it – the place was nearly full as New York alt-rock trio Hello Mary kicked off their first-ever Nottingham set. The venue was packed, including the balcony, with an impressive crowd for an opening act.
Despite a few technical issues at the start, the band quickly found their rhythm. Their mix of brooding, atmospheric melodies and intense, chaotic rock gradually won over the audience. Showcasing tracks from their upcoming album Emita Ox, they even teased that the record was available at the merch stand ahead of its official release, and that they’d be hanging out there after the show.
After a short break, the iconic American Football house from Urbana, Illinois was projected behind the stage, sparking immediate cheers from the crowd. This image was striking and instantly recognisable to everyone, capturing the essence of an era that began 25 years ago – before this writer was even born. As American Football took the stage, they launched straight into the instrumental ‘Five Silent Miles’ from their 1998 EP, setting the tone before diving into their full run-through of LP1.
This show marked the first stop of their UK tour, and frontman Mike Kinsella admitted to feeling a bit nervous, though it didn’t affect the music. Steve Lamos’s trumpet solos were a standout; an instrument rarely seen on the Rock City stage but one that added a unique layer to American Football’s guitar-driven sound.
Throughout the set, the projection of the American Football house remained, and some playful fans near the projector began making shadow puppets – hearts, waves, and a few cheekier gestures. But the band took it in their stride, acknowledging the humour before wrapping up the album with ‘Never Meant’, the clear fan favourite.
When the album finished, the band left the stage, and as the crowd chanted for “one more song,” they didn’t realise they’d be getting much more than that. But here is where the pacing of the evening faltered slightly – the final five songs didn’t quite evoke the same reaction as the earlier moments. Perhaps the crowd was feeling the length of the set, now over an hour, or maybe the emotional moment had come too early with ‘Never Meant’.
Still, the band sounded flawless, and the music’s quality in a live setting was undeniable. A special highlight came when a female backing singer joined the band for beautiful renditions of ‘Uncomfortably Numb’ and ‘Every Wave to Ever Rise’. Sadly, the night ended abruptly when the curfew cut them short, forcing them to skip their final song ‘Doom in Full Bloom’ and say a quick goodbye.
While the show wasn’t without its flaws, and there was a sense it didn’t quite hit its full potential, it reinforced how beloved LP1 remains. It proved that, as much as you may love a band, more isn’t always… more. But overall, it was a special celebration of American Football’s timeless music and lasting legacy.
Photos: Gemma Cockrell
