When Emo Meets Hardcore: American Football and Turnstile’s Unexpected Collaboration
There’s something undeniably thrilling about witnessing two distinct musical worlds collide. American Football, the emo stalwarts known for their intricate guitar work and introspective lyrics, have teamed up with Brendan Yates of Turnstile, a band that’s been redefining hardcore punk with their frenetic energy and genre-bending experimentation. On paper, it’s a pairing that feels both unexpected and utterly fascinating. But as soon as you hear Yates’ voice on their new single, ‘No Feeling,’ it all clicks.
A Collaboration Born from Serendipity
What makes this particularly fascinating is how organic the collaboration feels. Mike Kinsella, American Football’s frontman, initially brought Yates into the studio for a ‘gang vocal’ part—a subtle easter egg for fans to uncover. But, as Kinsella recounts, Yates couldn’t resist adding his own twist. He suggested a higher harmony, and the moment he started singing, the room was stunned. ‘Oh shit! THAT’S the dude from Turnstile!’ Kinsella recalls.
Personally, I think this moment speaks to the magic of artistic collaboration. It’s not just about bringing two names together; it’s about creating something that transcends the sum of its parts. Yates’ voice, with its raw power and emotional depth, adds a layer to ‘No Feeling’ that feels both fresh and inevitable. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best moments in music happen when artists step out of their comfort zones.
The Visuals: A Haunting Afterlife
The music video for ‘No Feeling,’ directed by Cady Buche and Travis Barron, is a masterpiece of surreal imagery. Inspired by the song’s haunting undertones, the duo envisioned a sunken ship as a thriving habitat for ghosts. It’s a concept that’s both beautiful and unsettling, much like the song itself.
What many people don’t realize is how deeply visuals can enhance a song’s emotional impact. The video’s eerie, otherworldly vibe perfectly complements the track’s themes of inevitability and loss. If you take a step back and think about it, it’s a brilliant metaphor for the way music can transport us to places both familiar and alien.
Broader Implications: Genre Boundaries Blurring
This collaboration isn’t just a one-off experiment; it’s part of a larger trend in music. Genres are blurring more than ever, and artists are increasingly willing to cross pollinate their styles. American Football and Turnstile come from vastly different corners of the music world, but ‘No Feeling’ proves that those differences can be a source of strength, not division.
From my perspective, this is a reflection of where music is headed. In an era where streaming has democratized access to diverse sounds, artists are no longer confined to their lanes. Fans are hungry for innovation, and collaborations like this deliver it in spades.
The Human Element: Beyond the Music
One thing that immediately stands out is the human story behind this collaboration. Turnstile has been in the news recently for a harrowing reason: former guitarist Brady Ebert’s alleged attempt to harm Brendan Yates’ father. The band’s statement—‘We have no language left for Brady’—is a powerful reminder of the personal struggles that often lurk behind the music.
This raises a deeper question: How do artists navigate their personal lives while continuing to create? In my opinion, it’s a testament to Yates’ resilience that he’s still pouring his heart into projects like this. It’s a reminder that music isn’t just an escape—it’s a way to process, heal, and connect.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for American Football and Turnstile?
American Football’s LP4, due out in May, promises to be a landmark release. With ‘No Feeling’ as a standout track, it’s clear that the band is pushing their boundaries more than ever. Meanwhile, Turnstile continues to evolve, their sound becoming increasingly impossible to pigeonhole.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how both bands are challenging their audiences. American Football is bringing a harder edge to their emo roots, while Turnstile is incorporating more melodic elements into their hardcore foundation. What this really suggests is that the future of music lies in experimentation and fearlessness.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Unexpected Pairings
If you take a step back and think about it, collaborations like this are what keep music exciting. They remind us that creativity knows no bounds and that the best art often comes from taking risks. ‘No Feeling’ isn’t just a song—it’s a statement about the possibilities that arise when artists dare to step outside their comfort zones.
Personally, I can’t wait to see what American Football and Turnstile do next. This collaboration feels like the beginning of something bigger, a new chapter in both bands’ journeys. And as a listener, I’m here for every note of it.
