Words and Photos by Jackie Grimson
Twenty-five years after the release of their highly-acclaimed self-titled album, American Football announced a worldwide tour. Last fall, the band kicked off the tour at Chicago’s Thalia Hall. Most of the dates sold out and more shows were added due to demand. A final leg of the tour was added this spring. This January, the band played a sold-out show at the beautiful 110-year-old District Music Hall in Connecticut.
Wishy, an indie rock band from Indianapolis, opened the set playing several songs from their Triple Seven album released last year. The band’s sound is a throwback to 90s alt-rock and shoegaze. Later this year they are opening for the NYC-based indie rock band Momma.
Beginning with an extended trumpet instrumental introduction of “The Summer Ends” and moving into “Honestly,” attendees held onto every word of the band’s iconic discography. The stage was almost completely dark aside from a few spotlights backlighting the band, drawing the audience into the group’s slow ambient sound.
Looking around at the crowd at the historic venue, it was interesting to observe the demographic. While there were certainly people of all ages, a majority of the dedicated attendees near the front looked as though they were perhaps not even born yet when the band released their quintessential album. American Football’s ability to both be a genre-defining band as well as one that continues to defy genre has created a lasting sound that transcends generations.
You can purchase tickets to one of the bands’ upcoming shows here.
Loudspeaker Collective 