Mike Kinsella, singer and guitarist of American Football, sings on stage at the Boulder Theater on Sept. 22, 2026. (Christian Garcia-Fuentes/CU Independent)
American Football kicked off the Fall leg of their “No Feelings” Tour at the Boulder Theater on Sept. 22, 2026. The fathers of midwestern emo came back and released “LP4” on May 1, 2026 following a short hiatus after they released “LP3” in 2019.
The band, consisting of singer and guitarist Mike Kinsella, bassist Nate Kinsella, drummer and CU Boulder associate professor Steve Lamos and guitarist Steve Holmes curated a concert showcasing their artistry and talent. With music across their 4 albums, there’s a lot to love for new and old fans.
Isabel Daninger (left) and Dev Wellborn (right) of Circling Girl kneel towards each other before starting their set at the Boulder Theater on Sept. 22, 2026. (Christian Garcia-Fuentes/CU Independent)
Before the band performed, we had the opportunity to listen to the opener, Circling Girl, a quintet dream-pop band based in Denver. The 40-min set was oozing with talent, each member giving their all in the show. The vocals from Isabel Daninger and Dev Wellborn were stunning. They really had an impact on the immersed audience.
One of the major standouts for me was their main guitarist, Alison Flynn, playing with ease and expertise that could only be admired. There was a technical issue midway through the set with their drum set, however, duct tape came in handy and they were able to get back into the groove.
Dev Wellborn (left) tunes her guitar while Noah Thomas (right) prepares to start the next song on their setlist at the Boulder Theater on Sept. 22, 2026. (Christian Garcia-Fuentes/CU Independent)
When American Football arrived, the ambiance created in the Boulder Theater was electric and captivating, with visuals adding to the moody atmosphere. The drums and bass could be felt throughout the room and when M. Kinsella began to sing their first song of the night, “Man Overboard,” everyone was captivated.
Throughout the show, the band continued to keep the energy high, the crowd cheering and woo-ing in the transitions between songs and roaring when the band threw in some throwbacks from “LP1,” like “Honestly?,” “Stay Home” and “Never Meant.” To end the night, they played three songs from their recent release: “Patron Saint of Pale,” “No Feeling” and “Bad Moons.”
Steve Lamos (left), Mike Kinsella (center) and Steve Holmes (right), the original three members when the band was created in the ’90s, play into the throwback section of LP1 at Boulder Theater on Sept. 22, 2026. (Christian Garcia-Fuentes)
The night was thrilling and while most of the crowd was engaged in the band, it was clear most were hoping for more throwback songs from their “LP1” than their recent albums; However, American Football was at their best when they played from their recent album. LP4 was more sonically engaging, with the instrumentation and lyrics being polished and intriguing. The quality of all members’ musicality was elevated when they played more recent tracks. Yet it was not fully received by the crowd through the night. That’s not to say they didn’t play their best during the throwbacks; they absolutely did. They showed why “LP1” is acclaimed as it has been with the creation of midwestern emo. However, you could feel the energy shift in the room, the lyrics beginning to be mumbled rather than sung by the crowd and silent head-bopping when they returned to play the last of their set, which was only “LP4” songs.
Nate Kinsella plays piano during “The One with the Piano.” (Christian Garcia-Fuentes/CU Independent)
Despite that, the night was great and I believe that everyone that went had a great time. Live music is always exciting and thrilling, and when the crowd and band are in sync, it’s a powerful feeling.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Christian Garcia-Fuentes at Christian.Garcia-Fuentes@colorado.edu
