Steve Lamos

The band was formed by guitarist, bassist and singer Mike Kinsella (formerly of Cap'n Jazz and Joan of Arc; currently of Owen), guitarist Steve Holmes and drummer and trumpet player Steve Lamos (formerly of the One Up Downstairs). Lamos announced his departure from the band in 2021 but rejoined in 2023.
Despite the group's short initial lifespan, their self-titled debut album became one of the most acclaimed emo and math rock records of its era. After reuniting in 2014, with Kinsella's cousin Nate Kinsella joining the band, American Football has released three more albums, all bearing the same name as their debut: American Football (2016), American Football (2019), and American Football (2026). Each album is also referred to numerically as LP1, LP2, LP3, and LP4.