American Football’s New Single “Silhouettes”

American Football recently gave a glimpse of their upcoming self-titled album with new single “Silhouettes.” In the accompanying music video, chimes of bells greet the viewer— the ground sparkles with frost as distinct vibraphones start chiming in, scanning over the protagonist, Cale Parks of the band Aloha, lying in the forest. He begins to wake from a slumber, the guitar coming in heavier and emotional. Vocalist Mike Kinsella’s voice aches as Cale searches for his lost love, real-life partner Kendra Smalter.

Although the quartet originally hails from Urbana, Illinois, the songwriting breaks off from their last two albums, reaching outside and beyond their previous home comforts. This is also visually apparent in the album cover, depicting an open scenery as opposed to the preceding albums’ house in Urbana.

The vastness and ambiguity are echoed in both the music video and lyrics of “Silhouettes.” In the sparseness of the lyrics, the viewer sees a repetition of a couple in and out of love, angry silence in an elevator and searching for each other in a quiet forest. Each line holds enough impact to carry the seven-minute video to completion, leaving everyone wanting more.

In this combination of abstract language and candid moments, it feels as though the message is ultimately up to the individual— one of hope, melancholy, sadness, perhaps renewed love. Director Shawn Brackbill explains, "Working on the ‘Silhouettes’ video was an interesting collaboration between artist and director. I liked that Mike's treatment for ‘Silhouette’ came through to me without a lot of explanation for why things were happening. It left things open for interpretation on my end as I helped develop the story. In putting together the final treatment and shot list, I tried to keep the story open-ended as well. To allow the viewer space to make their own interpretations for what they see here in the video."

The rest of American Football’s album plans to follow this same tone, saying what needs to be said and leaving a good deal to the imagination. Kinsella talks about the lyrics, stating “I feel like my lyric writing has changed a lot over the years. The goal is to be conversational, maybe to state something giant and heavy, but in a very plain way. But, definitely in this record, I keep things a little more vague.” Also expect a sprinkle of nostalgia with the new album, with guest vocals from Hayley Williams of Paramore, Land of Talk’s Elizabeth Powell, and Slowdive’s Rachel Goswell.

American Football is comprised of Steve Holmes on guitar, Mike Kinsella on vocals and guitar, Nate Kinsella on bass, and Steve Lamos on drums and trumpet. Their upcoming album American Football will be available March 22nd through Polyvinyl Record Co, with a release show in Chicago set for March 30th. Be sure to check out their new track below and new album in March.

Tour Dates

March 23rd - Boise, ID - Treefort Music Festival

March 30th - Chicago, IL - The Metro (Album Release Show)

Track Listing

1. Silhouettes

2. Every Wave To Ever Rise (ft. Elizabeth Powell)

3. Uncomfortably Numb (ft. Hayley Williams)

4. Heir Apparent

5. Doom In Full Bloom

6. I Can’t Feel You (ft. Rachel Goswell)

7. Mine To Miss

8. Life Support