“Boycott Heaven” by The Format on Spotify The Xavierite
After nearly two decades of silence, the band The Format have returned with “Boycott Heaven,” an album that feels both nostalgic and urgently alive.
Formed in 2002 by vocalist Nate Ruess and multi-instrumentalist Sam Means, The Format built a devoted following with their emotionally candid lyrics and genre-blending of indie-rock, folk, punk, and classic pop influences of the 1960s and 1970s.
Their name itself was a tongue-in-cheek critique of the music industry’s obsession with formulaic hits, and that rebellious spirit still pulses through their long-awaited third studio album.
Following their 2008 hiatus and multiple false starts at reunion—including a pandemic-canceled tour —“Boycott Heaven” marks the band’s most definitive comeback yet.
Released Jan. 23, 2026, the album arrives alongside a sold-out tour; it and proves that time has only strengthened the band’s bond with their audience.
While Ruess went on to massive mainstream success as the frontman of Fun., delivering anthems like “We Are Young” and “Some Nights,” “Boycott Heaven” feels like a conscious return to the intimacy and emotional sharpness that first defined The Format.
One of the album’s standout tracks, “Holy Roller,” channels biting irony and restless energy.
The song blends upbeat instrumentation with pointed lyrics that critique hypocrisy and moral performance—a theme that mirrors the album’s title.
Bright piano lines and driving rhythms contrast with Ruess’s urgent vocals, creating a tension that feels both playful and confrontational. It’s classic The Format at their best.
In contrast, “Forever” slows things down, offering a reflective and emotionally resonant moment on the record.
The song leans into vulnerability and explores themes of commitment, time, and the quiet fear of things slipping away.
Stripped-back production allows the lyrics to take center stage, and Ruess’s voice carries a worn-in sincerity that makes the song feel deeply personal rather than overly sentimental.
Throughout “Boycott Heaven,” The Format balances youthful energy with the perspective that comes from experience.
The album doesn’t attempt to chase trends or recreate past success. Instead, it embraces growth while staying true to the band’s roots.
For longtime fans, it’s a rewarding return.For new listeners, it’s a showcase of why The Format mattered and still matters in the indie rock landscape.
“Boycott Heaven” isn’t just a comeback album: it’s proof that some bands don’t expire, they continue to evolve.