American Football formed in 1997 in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, by Mike Kinsella (guitar, bass, vocals), Steve Holmes (guitar), and Steve Lamos (drums, trumpet). Emerging from the local DIY scene, the band drew from post-hardcore roots like Cap'n Jazz while shifting toward slower, melodic structures influenced by Red House Painters, Nick Drake, and math rock elements. They released a self-titled EP in 1998 and debut album American Football (LP1) in 1999 via Polyvinyl Records before disbanding as members graduated college. The 1999 album gained cult status in Midwest emo and indie rock circles, leading to a 2014 reunion for shows in Urbana and New York. Subsequent releases include American Football (LP2) in 2016 and American Football (LP3) in 2019. Lamos briefly left in 2021 but rejoined in 2023. Known live for intricate twin-guitar interplay and atmospheric trumpet lines, their performances emphasize the albums' interwoven rhythms and dynamics.