American Football have officially released their stripped-back take on the classic ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ – a rendition that has been praised by Robert Smith as “one of the most heartfelt and beautiful Cure covers I have ever heard.” This release marks a significant moment for the band, as they continue to bridge the gap between their midwest emo roots and a broader, more adventurous sonic palette.
The cover of the iconic 1979 track was first debuted by American Football during their appearance on SiriusXMU earlier this summer, recorded while the band was navigating the stops of their extensive ‘No Feeling Tour’. This marks only the second time in their three-decade career that the alt-rock giants have released a cover, following their 2021 interpretation of Mazzy Star’s ‘Fade Into You’.
Mike Kinsella of American Football and Robert Smith of The Cure. CREDIT: James Klug and Mark Holloway/Getty Images
A Personal Connection to The Cure
For frontman Mike Kinsella, the choice to cover The Cure was deeply personal. “The Cure, and specifically ‘Boys Don’t Cry’, has not only been fundamental to my growth as a songwriter but as much or more so on my development as a man,” Kinsella explained. “It just seemed like the perfect fit for a bunch of melodically-driven, emotionally available grown men to deconstruct and try to make our own.”
The band’s arrangement strips away the original’s jangle, replacing it with spindly guitars, a slower tempo, and a mournful trumpet solo that highlights the song’s enduring adolescent longing. Alongside the cover, the band has released an acoustic version of their own track ‘Wake Her Up’, originally featured on their latest album, LP4.
Touring and Future Endeavors
The release arrives as American Football prepares for the next leg of their ‘No Feeling World Tour’. Having already performed across the US, UK, Europe, Asia, and Mexico, the band is set to continue their journey through North and South America for the remainder of the year. The tour has been marked by notable guest appearances from artists such as Hayley Williams, Wisp, and Soccer Mommy.
In a commitment to social impact, the band has partnered with PLUS1, ensuring that $1 from every ticket sold goes toward organizations protecting immigrant rights and supporting migrants and refugees. As they look toward their upcoming dates in Chile, Brazil, Argentina, and Peru, the band remains focused on the evolution of their sound and their continued connection with fans worldwide.
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