American Football brought the second-to-last show of their summer tour to Turner Hall in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. With support from Afternoon Bike Ride, fans showed up in droves and sold out the show. The merch lines were long, and excitement emanated through the air as Afternoon Bike Ride took the stage with their soft, emotional music. 

Afternoon Bike Ride is a three-piece band from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and is fronted by the captivating Lia Kurihara. The music presented to the audience was emotionally raw and melodically entrancing, capturing the attention of all who were in the room. In 2025, the band released the album Running With Scissors and played the title track off the album for us. Kurihara shared that the album and song are about her experience caretaking for her dad, who passed away from dementia last year, and that the music went out to anyone who has or had the hardship of sharing that experience. The ambient nature of the instrumentals mixed with the ethereal vocals made for a sonically compelling experience for listeners that was sure to create new fans of the band. Seeing how in tune the band was with the meaning of their music made the concert experience that much sweeter. 

After the crowd had been properly warmed up by the opening band, American Football took the stage and wowed a sold-out Turner Hall with an absolutely unforgettable set. This quintessential emo band kicked off the night with “Man Overboard” off their 2026 self-titled album (LP4). The crowd filled the room with cheers as the raw musical stylings of this iconic band filled the room. I’ve loved American Football for many years and have always connected with their records, but seeing them live brought my appreciation to a whole new level. The live percussion dropped my jaw, as the drumset worked in tandem with the resonant chime of the vibraphone to not only keep time but also contribute key elements to the melodies of their songs. 

Throughout the night, American Football continued to play delicious tunes, new and old, including “Blood On My Blood,” “Home Is Where The Haunt Is,” “Honestly?,” and “Stay Home.” The music had a calming effect on the crowd through the excitement, as the vibes in the room remained carefree and in the moment. The band closed out their main set with what I would argue to be their most iconic song, “Never Meant,” and returned after a brief break to play four more songs off their new album. Through their discography spanning back to 1998, American Football has united the emo scene through their lyrics and always compelling instrumentals. Their live shows are an exhilarating display of the meaningful songs they make and the community they continue to build through art.