American Football is returning to the studio spotlight with a collaboration that bridges the gap between the quiet introspection of Midwest emo and the high-energy surge of modern hardcore. The band has released “No Feeling,” a new single featuring Brendan Yates of Turnstile, serving as a preview for their upcoming fourth studio album, (LP4).
The track marks a significant moment in the band’s trajectory, arriving as their first full-length record in seven years. Set for release on May 1 via Polyvinyl, the album follows the momentum of the sprawling, eight-minute lead single “Bad Moons” which debuted in February.
While the collaboration between Mike Kinsella and Yates may seem unexpected on paper, the result is a sonic blend of ethereal synths and melodic guitar riffs. The track is anchored by an airy chorus—”No feeling/ No pain/ No one to blame/ Forever awaits/ It’s just an eternal blank page”—where Kinsella’s signature delivery meets Yates’ distinct vocal range.
The serendipity of a “singular” voice
The presence of Brendan Yates on “No Feeling” was not originally intended to be a focal point of the song. According to Mike Kinsella, the collaboration began as a modest addition to the track’s texture. Kinsella had written a “gang vocal” call-and-response section for the chorus and invited Yates into the studio to be one of several voices, intending for the feature to remain a subtle “easter egg” for attentive listeners.
However, the creative direction shifted during the recording process. Yates suggested a higher harmony that he was hearing in the arrangement. The impact was immediate; Kinsella recalls that the band’s reaction was one of genuine shock, noting that “all of our jaws dropped” as they realized the unique quality of the vocal take.
Kinsella described the moment as a realization that the song had evolved beyond its original blueprint. “His voice is so singular,” Kinsella said, “and once he sang the part in his range, it was clear that the part now belonged to him and him alone.”
Visualizing the “crushing inevitability”
The release of “No Feeling” is accompanied by a music video directed by Cady Buche and Travis Barron. The visual narrative departs from the literal, instead opting for a surrealist depiction of ghost-like creatures inhabiting a sunken ship. The imagery captures a community of spirits dancing and celebrating in their underwater afterlife, only to have their sanctuary jeopardized by the arrival of a submarine.
The directors explained that the concept was born from the atmospheric qualities of the music. Upon first hearing the track, they were drawn to the paradox of places like outer space or the deep ocean—environments that are simultaneously beautiful and unsettling. The visual metaphor of “going down with the ship” was intended to mirror a sense of crushing inevitability, which the directors then inverted to create a thriving, albeit fragile, ghostly habitat.
A legacy of “dumb luck” and global impact
The anticipation for (LP4) is framed by the enduring legacy of the band’s self-titled debut, (LP1). In 2024, the band celebrated the 25th anniversary of that seminal record, a release that helped define the Midwest emo genre. The reissue featured covers from contemporary artists such as Ethel Cain and Blondshell, highlighting the record’s cross-generational influence.
Despite the critical canonization of their early work, Kinsella has remained humble regarding the band’s ascent. He has frequently attributed the success of (LP1) to “dumb luck,” recalling a time when he felt his peers were in “cooler” bands. He noted that the songs were originally written about a “tiny little world” and the specific, personal experiences of his youth, making the global resonance of the music a surprising development.
Since the 2019 release of (LP3), the band has maintained a sporadic but impactful presence, including the 2021 standalone single “Rare Symmetry.” This period of reflection and intermittent release has set the stage for the more expansive sound found on the upcoming album.
Timeline of Recent Activity and Upcoming Milestones
| Date/Period | Event/Release | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | (LP3) Release | Third studio album |
| 2021 | “Rare Symmetry” | Standalone single release |
| February 2026 | “Bad Moons” | Lead single for (LP4) |
| April 8, 2026 | “No Feeling” | Collaboration with Brendan Yates |
| May 1, 2026 | (LP4) Release | Fourth studio album via Polyvinyl |
| May 2026 | North American Tour | Tour dates commencing in the US |
Looking ahead to 2026
The release of (LP4) will be supported by an extensive touring schedule. The band is slated to hit the road in 2026, beginning with a series of US dates in May before transitioning to the UK and Europe later in the summer. This tour marks a return to live performance on a global scale, bridging the gap between the band’s cult origins and their current status as influential figures in independent music.
Fans can track official tour dates and ticket availability through primary vendors like Ticketmaster for both North American and international legs of the journey.
We would love to hear your thoughts on the new collaboration—does the addition of Brendan Yates shift the band’s dynamic in a direction you enjoy? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
