American Football feat. Hayley Williams – “Uncomfortably Numb” Review

The indie rock/emo quartet American Football are releasing their self-titled third album next month on March 22. The new song “Uncomfortably Numb” (a play on Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb”) features Paramore’s Hayley Williams and delivers a calming, melancholic aura that is delicate yet powerful. The soft drumbeats and graceful guitar harmonics assemble a serene soundscape that flawlessly complements the soothing vocal tones and harmonies. Although the instrumental remains constant throughout without deviating to other energies, its peaceful and comforting atmosphere never gets boring.

Lyrically, the song is sung from two perspectives, shifting between the downhearted mindset of a man and father who has reached his lowest point, and the caring sentiments of his loved ones (portrayed by Hayley Williams). Mike Kinsella opens the first verse in a gloomy, heavy-hearted tone singing, “Sensitivity deprived / I can’t feel a thing inside / I blamed my father in my youth / Now as a father, I blame the booze.” In the second verse, Williams is heard adding subtle, flowing undertones to Kinsella’s leads, as if to depict an emotional distance between the two. The chorus acts more as a conversation as the lead vocals are traded off between each character. Williams then takes over for the third verse, utilizing the pleasant tranquility of her lower register. Her part conveys a sense of sorrowful defeat as she sings, “Now whenever I try to be clear with you / I only end up feeling see-through / I’ve tried, but you’ve won / Comatose, like father like son.” This is a substantial point in the song when we hear that the ones who have been struggling to help the main narrator have given up.

Even with its pessimistic lyrics and somber story-telling, “Uncomfortably Numb” holds a pensive and dreamy quality that renders a transcendent and uplifting effect. The performances by both American Football and Hayley Williams are exceptional – this is an outstanding collaboration that simply cannot be missed out on by any indie or emo lover.