Watch American Football’s 25th Anniversary Concert

I still remember the first time I heard American Football’s seminal 1999 debut. I borrowed it from my friend George, and as soon as I hit “Play,” I knew it was something special. Musically, it straddled the worlds of emo, post-rock, jazz, and minimalism, owing as much to Miles Davis and Steve Reich as it did to Rites of Spring and Slint. (Adam Feibel has thoroughly documented the album’s roots and influences.)

More importantly, though, its intricate arrangements, pensive lyrics, and earnest vocals perfectly captured the vibe of an era. It’s impossible for me to separate the songs from the late ’90s/early ’00s, and memories of road trips, house shows, and heartache. As such, the album’s songs possess a nostalgia that never once feels slavish or solipsistic. (In other words, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to hear “Never Meant” and not get a little choked up.)

Although the band, who recorded the album when they were still in college, thought little of it at the time, it’s taken on a life of its own. American Football’s debut is now considered a cornerstone of midwest emo as well as one of the greatest emo albums of all time, even as it handily transcends some of the clichés that are often associated with the genre.

Last year, American Football toured in celebration of the album’s 25th anniversary. The above video — which was recorded at Los Angeles’ El Rey Theatre in October — captures the amazing live performance (which also features guest performances from Ethel Cain and M.A.G.S.) and includes short interviews in which the band reflects on the album’s creation and legacy.