[American Football Turns a Cure Classic Into an Intimate Acoustic Masterpiece on SiriusXMU]
Reunited Midwestern emo pioneers American Football have inspired countless other groups throughout their career. Since reuniting in 2014—though the project has faced various challenges—they have attracted emerging talent such as Hayley Williams and Turnstile’s Brendan Yates. Amid promoting their fourth album, American Football performed an in‑studio set for SiriusXMU, covering one of their longstanding influences, The Cure.
The recent GQ profile by Grayson Haver Currin reveals personal insights from vocalist and guitarist Mike Kinsella. He reflects on how formative bands like The Smiths and particularly The Cure shaped his musical perspective, noting: “The Smiths, The Cure—I just thought all music had to be sad, that all music had to be … earnest?” I never became drawn to pop‑punk or any band of goofballs. That hunger is satisfied by connecting with real people or by watching sports. If I want to withdraw, I can withdraw.”
In their SiriusXMU session, American Football takes The Cure’s classic “Boys Don’t Cry” and transforms it. They slow the song, layer intertwined acoustic guitar lines, and introduce funeral‑like harmonies, creating a fresh take that feels both nostalgic and bold.
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