American Football at Newport Music Hall: A Nostalgic Night for Midwest Emo Fans

Beloved midwest emo band American Football might be one of the only exceptions for Ohioans to brace the rain covered streets of Columbus on a gloomy Monday night. Despite the horrid weather, fans were lined up and down the sidewalks leading to Newport Music Hall ready to show out for the band.

First formed in 1997 in Urbana, Illinois, American Football has impressively grown their audience over the years all while keeping their OG fans sticking around for more. Current core members of the band include Mike Kinsella (main vocals, guitar, bass), Steve Holmes (guitar), Steve Lamos (drums, trumpet), and Nate Kinsella (bass, guitar, backing vocals). Nearing almost 30 years of making music, the band has released countless incredible albums and remain a midwest emo staple act. 

Starting the night off was Afternoon Bike Ride, an indie trio act from Montreal. Although their indie/ambient/pop inspired sound heavily differed from that of American Football, their talent was absolutely undeniable. Lead singer Lia Kurihara’s heavenly vocals filled the room with ease and made for a beautifully calm performance to start the night.

As the lights in the venue dimmed, ready for the main act American Football to take the stage,  the chatter of the crowd was replaced with cheers. As the first eerie hums of “Man Overboard” crescendoed throughout the venue, fans simmered down and waited in anticipation. Members of the band slowly took their places one by one, surrounded in a heavy haze and dim lights, ready to give the crowd a show to remember. 

American Football’s performance was raw and powerful from the start. There wasn’t much moving around the stage, commentary from the band, or over done crowd work; and they continuously showed why it wasn’t needed. With a set full of beautifully drawn out instrumental intros and outros, compelling stage lights and visuals, and powerful vocals that perfectly matched the emotional lyrics, it was clear they were focused on the songs speaking for themselves. And they undoubtedly did. Throughout the night, any tracks performed from their first album American Football (LP1) seemed to consistently be fan favorites, bringing the crowd a sense of nostalgia and familiarity compared to more recent releases. Without a doubt, “Never Meant” from LP1 received the biggest reaction from the crowd. The second the familiar twangy guitar notes hit the air, cheers erupted from the room and fans didn’t stop moving even after the last note. “Stay Home” was another hit song of the night and was accompanied by a transcendent trumpet solo from Lamos, as well as visuals of the house from the band’s first album cover, which quickly followed with cheers erupting from the crowd. 

While the Columbus crowd was tame, as you looked around at the fans in the room, you could see how tightly they were gripping on to every last lyric and note that rang out. They were entranced. Focused. Nostalgic. Taking in the serene performance and feeling the hums and vibrations of the notes. It was proof that shows don’t always require crazy crowd work or screaming and jumping around to be beautiful and memorable. Sometimes, like with American Football’s performance this night, all you truly need is passion and love for the music (and in this case incredible talent) to put on a beautiful live show.  

Photos and Review by Maddie Culbertson