The Format releases ‘Boycott Heaven,’ their first album in two decades
The Format marks their triumphant return with “Boycott Heaven,” their latest album after a two-decade break in studio recordings. Members Sam Means and Nate Ruess had their suspicions about a band curse, their plans thwarted by global disasters in previous years. The band had to shelve their tour and record in 2020 due to the pandemic, marking another unfortunate event in their journey. Despite these setbacks, The Format managed to get back on stage in 2021, performing in front of a vibrantly receptive audience in Phoenix.
Between their split in 2008, and the release of their latest work, Ruess and Means pursued their creative paths. Ruess found success with fun., while Means ventured into film scoring. Their reunion started with Ruess’s foray back into writing and guitar playing, recognizing that the themes in his songs could translate into a new Format album. The theme of rediscovering their shared musical roots and sound is evident in “Boycott Heaven,” a product of their creative individual journeys during the hiatus.
In their recent appearance on World Cafe, Ruess and Means shared personal insights on their collaboration and performances. Ruess reminisced about his post-band uncertainties and the expectations that came with a solo career. On the other hand, Means shared how fatherhood influenced his approach to collaboration, shifting from instructing to guiding. The duo candidly reflected on their stage fright, remembering their emotional rehearsals and meticulous preparations for their performances.
Ruess opened up about his challenges with songwriting for other artists, expressing discomfort from deviating from his natural creative flow. The process felt unnatural and forced, causing him to feel uncharacteristically uninspired. The sentimental narratives from the band offer a glimpse into their experiences as they reconnect through music after years of diversifying their craft.
As they chart new creative territory with “Boycott Heaven,” The Format shares their memorable experiences from their decades-long journey. With an undercurrent of renewed passion and purpose, their latest album signifies both a homecoming and a fresh beginning for the band. The emotional resonance in their story underscores the heartfelt intentionality behind their creative endeavors, making this return all the more impactful for both the band and their devoted fans.