American Football, the brilliant Midwest emo pioneers, continue their 25th-anniversary celebrations with a striking and mesmerizing cover of their song "For Sure" by rising star Ethel Cain, along with a newly remastered version of the original track. This double offering is part of a wider celebration for the band’s seminal debut album, American Football (LP1), which has been lovingly remastered and will be re-released alongside a special covers edition on 18 October via Polyvinyl Record Co.
Ethel Cain, known for her deeply atmospheric and introspective music, has lent her unique sound to American Football's "For Sure," reinterpreting the classic with her signature ethereal touch. The accompanying music video, which Cain directed and edited herself, features haunting visuals that complement the song’s themes of longing and change.
Cain, who was honoured to participate in the project, shared her connection to the track:
“I knew I wanted to do ‘For Sure’ immediately. It always stood out to me every time I spun the record. I knew exactly how I wanted to translate it into my sound.” She incorporated field recordings, like the sound of a passing train, to further immerse listeners in the atmospheric world of the song. “Their sonic storytelling has inspired me in more ways than I can count over the years,” Cain added, reflecting on how American Football’s music resonated with her and countless others.
Drummer Steve Lamos, a key figure in American Football’s history, highlighted "For Sure" as one of his personal favorites from the band's catalog. For him, the track encapsulates the uncertainty and change that have marked the band's journey since their early days. Praising Cain’s rendition, Lamos said, “Ethel Cain has somehow made me like this track even more than I already did,” admiring how she intensified the emotional depth of the original.
Lamos first encountered Cain’s music through a student of his (he’s a college professor by day), who analyzed Cain’s ability to create lush sonic landscapes. He was captivated by how Cain’s cover of "For Sure" added even more layers of emotion, drawing out the song’s plaintive lyrics and sonic nuances.
American Football’s LP1 has been meticulously remastered by Jonathan Pines, the original mastering engineer, using the long-lost Digital Audio Tapes from the band’s 1999 recording sessions. This process has rejuvenated the album’s iconic sound, giving more clarity to its intertwined guitars and adding depth to the rhythm section. The remastered edition will be released in a stunning, foil-adorned gatefold package complete with a 24-page booklet, making it a must-have for fans.
The remastering not only enhances the beloved tracks but also solidifies LP1’s enduring influence in the rock and emo scenes. Songs like "Never Meant," "The Summer Ends," and "For Sure" remain staples, their emotional resonance only growing with time.
In addition to the remastered album, American Football (Covers) will be released on the same day, featuring a lineup of acclaimed artists offering their interpretations of the band’s iconic songs. The album includes contributions from Iron & Wine, Manchester Orchestra, Blondshell, and Yvette Young, among others, each bringing their own style to the source material.
This covers LP showcases how American Football’s introspective, melancholic sound has influenced a diverse range of artists across genres. It serves as a testament to the band’s far-reaching impact over the past two decades, cementing their legacy as one of the most important acts in modern rock.
To mark this milestone, American Football will also embark on a series of anniversary shows, including performances in the UK, and just-announced dates in Asia. These shows will give fans a chance to experience the band’s timeless music in a live setting, celebrating both the past and the future of American Football.
As American Football celebrates 25 years of their groundbreaking debut, the reimagined and remastered releases serve as a reminder of their profound influence on both their original fans and a new generation of listeners.
Save the date for the 25th Anviesary of American Football LP1 and American Football (Covers), and watch the video Ethel Cain’s cover of “For Sure”:
Upcoming live dates
