Phoenix Band The Format Returns with New Album “Boycott Heaven”

The Phoenix music scene is buzzing with excitement as The Format makes a remarkable return, releasing their first album in nearly two decades. “Boycott Heaven” is not just a new release; for many, it’s a reintroduction to a band that shaped their youth.

For individuals like Josh Chesler, a writer and musician from Phoenix, the band’s comeback is a nostalgic journey. Chesler reflects on the passage of time since The Format’s last album, sharing, “In the time between The Format’s last two albums, I finished high school, graduated from college, got married, bought a condo, held multiple real jobs and got much worse at skateboarding.” Despite these changes, the band’s music remains a comforting constant.

The album’s release brings back memories of 2006’s “Dog Problems” and the adventurous days of youth during the monsoon season. Chesler notes that, much like the band’s evolution, individuals strive to grow while maintaining the essence of who they are.

In the early 2000s, The Format emerged from Phoenix, captivating local audiences before sharing stages with major bands like Taking Back Sunday and Dashboard Confessional. For many Arizona natives, they were a symbol of homegrown success. As Chesler puts it, the band’s breakup mirrored the economic turmoil of 2008, interrupting their trajectory just as fans were transitioning into adulthood.

While Nate Ruess achieved fame with the band fun., Sam Means found his niche in the merchandise business. Fans, meanwhile, reminisced about their connection to The Format until a planned 2020 tour fell victim to the pandemic. The band’s music, reissued during this period, provided solace amidst global uncertainty.

Their triumphant return with “Boycott Heaven” last fall has reignited hope among fans. The album may not explicitly address the challenges facing aging millennials, but it subtly underscores a universal truth: reinvention is possible at any stage of life.

For those who have followed The Format from their local roots to national acclaim, their reunion is a powerful reminder that even after setbacks, there’s always a chance for a fresh start.

Josh Chesler is a writer and musician now based in Southern California.