π The Format Returns: Everything You Need to Know About New Single ‘Shot In The Dark’ and Upcoming Album Boycott Heaven
After an almost two-decade hiatus, The Format, the beloved indie-pop outfit fronted by Nate Ruess and Sam Means, is officially back! The news has sent a seismic wave through the music world, and the first taste of their return, the new single ‘Shot In The Dark’, is already making waves. Get ready to dive deep into what this reunion means, the star-studded team behind their upcoming third album, Boycott Heaven, and why this is the most anticipated indie pop comeback of the year.
The Format is Back: A Reunion 20 Years in the Making
For fans who cherished their early 2000s classics like Interventions and Lullabies and Dog Problems, The Format’s abrupt departure felt like a void. While Nate Ruess went on to achieve global success with fun. and as a solo artist, the chemistry he shared with Sam Means was always something special.
Now, nearly twenty years later, the duo has rekindled that creative fire, resulting in Boycott Heaven, an album that is both a homage to their past and a fierce declaration of their present. As Ruess sings on the album closer, “Been gone for way too long… I never meant to say goodbye.” Itβs clear that this is more than just a reunion; itβs a commitment to a new, uncharted chapter.
π§ ‘Shot In The Dark’: A Glimpse into Boycott Heaven
The lead single, ‘Shot In The Dark’, offers an exciting preview of the album’s sound. The new music incorporates sonic nods to the alt-rock, grunge, and pop-punk influences that first bonded the duo as teenagers in Arizona in the late β90s. Expect the signature hooks and earnest lyrics The Format is known for, but with a new layer of maturity and power.
The album will feature 11 brand new songs, blending:
Existential protest anthems
Heartfelt love songs
Odes to family
Power chord-driven rockers
Themes on Boycott Heaven are distinctly contemporary, confronting disillusionment, religious hypocrisy, and the complexities of growing up, all while coming out the other side with hard-earned optimism and depth.
The Dream Team: Grammy-Winners and Music Legends
To bring their ambitious new sound to life, The Format teamed up with an elite group of collaborators:
| Role | Name | Notable Collaborations |
| Producer | Brendan OβBrien | Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen, The Killers, Stone Temple Pilots |
| Drummer | Matt Chamberlain | David Bowie, Bob Dylan, Fiona Apple, The Wallflowers |
Working with a Grammy-winning producer like Brendan O’Brien ensures the album will have a massive, stadium-ready sound, while the legendary drumming of Matt Chamberlain adds a dynamic, experienced rhythm section. This powerhouse team is a testament to the high production value and serious intent behind The Format’s comeback.
Why You Can’t Miss Boycott Heaven
Boycott Heaven is the product of two longtime confidants creating something they could only create together. It’s an album that is changed by time but still tied to their roots.
If you’re searching for indie music that blends nostalgic early 2000s energy with modern, meaningful songwriting, The Formatβs return is your answer. Listen to ‘Shot In The Dark’ now, and prepare for an album that signifies a new start, a fresh beginning, and a triumphant return to form.
 return with their new indie pop single 'Shot In The Dark' and upcoming album Boycott Heaven. Get details on the reunion, producer Brendan O'Brien, and the alt-rock sound.){kind=link}