American Football, the renowned Illinois-based emo band, has returned with a powerful new single titled “No Feeling,” featuring Brendan Yates from the hardcore band Turnstile. This track serves as a lead-up to their highly anticipated fourth studio album, LP4, which is set to be released on May 1 via Polyvinyl.
The new single showcases American Football’s signature shoegazy emo sound but pushes it to a fresh level. “No Feeling” is built around haunting guitar riffs and a slow, steady drumbeat that gradually draws listeners into the emotional core of the song. The lyrics explore themes of loss and emotional pain, with lines like “tell the doctors I’m one / one last goodbye and one last kiss / it’s just an eternal blank page” delivering a deep sense of melancholy. The vocal harmonies between lead singer Mike Kinsella and Brendan Yates add an evocative layer that enhances the track’s emotional weight.
Despite its heavy themes, the song offers moments of hope through sparkling synths and group vocals that occasionally brighten the nearly five-minute track. This single marks a clear evolution in American Football’s sound since their debut album LP1 nearly 26 years ago. Fans and critics alike have praised “No Feeling” for its refined production and heartfelt delivery, signaling that the band’s long journey has brought them to a new creative peak.
Brendan Yates’ collaboration came about spontaneously when American Football invited him to producer Sonny DiPerri’s studio in Los Angeles. Yates recorded his parts quickly, experimenting with harmonies that ultimately blended perfectly with Kinsella’s vocals. The band was impressed by his contributions, noting that his unique style added a distinct Turnstile flavor to the song.
Accompanying the release of “No Feeling” is an animated music video directed by Cady Buche and Travis Barron of Unlimited Time Only. The video features ghost-like figures aboard a sunken ship who celebrate their final moments before being discovered by a submarine. The surreal visuals echo the song’s themes of loss and transformation, creating a haunting atmosphere that complements the music.
LP4 will also feature guest appearances from Caithlin De Marrais of Rainer Maria and Natalie R. Lu from Wisp. The band plans to support the album with an extensive world tour starting May 15 in Denver and concluding on August 16 in Minneapolis. With this new release and upcoming tour, American Football is poised to captivate both longtime fans and new listeners alike.
