discovered Cap’N Jazz a long while after their demise of a band, initially only purchasing their double disc retrospective (of sorts) because of a positive review I read in one of the more popular punk rock magazines. Buying Analphabetapolothology promptly launched me headlong into an unnatural obsession with them.

Around the time their discs began to fade from ‘new and exciting’ to simply a welcome addition to my collection, I heard tale of a newer, far mellower band that formed from their ashes: American Football. Apparently, at the time I heard this, the grips of Cap’N jazz’s musical prowess still affected me- enough so that I was compelled to purchase their disc. Honestly, I was rather afraid of what they may have had to offer.

Having no previous experience with any of the multitude of bands that can proudly sport stickers parenthetically stating ‘ex-members of Cap’N Jazz’ after their names, I instantly regretted doling out my money. Then came justification- ‘hey,’ I thought cheerily to myself,’ even if it is bad, there will always be a friend I can pawn this off on. I’m sure one of my ‘indie-rock’ friends would enjoy this’ Satisfied with that solution, I quickly forgot that I had ordered it at all, until it arrived.

American Football creates tightly woven, quietly beautiful independent rock. One would speculate that they not only draw influence from past bands, but also a backlog of (equally soft and wonderful) jazz. Beautiful guitar melodies backed by strong bass and drum work and accented by the inclusion of trumpet and an organ on occasion, creating very ‘catchy’ music.

Mike Kinsella's vocals, however, almost detract from power of the music- lyrics sung in a slightly raspy voice- not an entirely horrible element, but at times misplaced against the music. His lyrics affect me in a similar way; at times, they seem to be a perfectly written accompaniment to the soft background music (background, due in part to the vocals being ‘high in the mix’). Other times, the lyrics border on trite, over-sentimental garbage, merely word sounds that make his voice seem to be just another instrument.

The quietness of this disc allows it to almost slip into the ‘background music’ category. The more attentive, however, may find that this CD is a powerful – almost moving- example of skillful instrumentation matched with perfectly ‘open’ production. A disc reserved for late nights and lonesome car rides.