For the past week, whenever I turn on my iPod my eyes began to well with tears. Yeah, I’m not afraid to make a fool of myself in print.
I know I get attached to things very easily but when I got the news that my favorite band, The Format, was breaking up — rather going on indefinite hiatus — it was like somebody punched me in the stomach and then kicked me around while I was down.
To me, there’s no other band like The Format. Nate Ruess, the band’s front man, is a master lyricist with a crazy vocal range. I’m not even sure there is anybody comparable to him. But, I’m not writing this to promote The Format, I’m writing to say “thanks.”
The Format has been my favorite band for years. They’ve connected me to friends on a different level in both high school and college.
In high school their first album, “Interventions and Lullabies,” basically defined our existence. As the first one of my core group of friends left for college, the CD played in the background as we made our rounds leaving each other that night.
Their second CD, “Dog Problems,” came out right at the end of my freshman year of college. The sound was completely different but it was even more amazing than “Interventions.” Gone was the organic rock sound, it was replaced with a more sophisticated power pop angle.
During my sophomore year I handed out copies of “Dog Problems” to new friends and formed the friendships and bonds over the CD that still exist today. I’ve even met people at concerts who I remain in touch with; The Format was that kind of band who had those kinds of dedicated, friendly fans. We all were eagerly awaiting the third album which was set to be released this summer, but I guess plans change. The last time I spoke with the band in August they were planning on touring in April and they had mentioned they wanted to come back to the Binghamton area again. Once again, things change.
Ruess is releasing a solo album, meaning without his collaborator Sam Means. Ruess wrote the lyrics and did the vocals in The Format, while Means wrote the music. The duo say they remain on good terms, but only specify they left the last tour with “different aspirations,” which is why The Format is being shelved indefinitely.
I really wish them all success; they’ve brought me much joy and got me through a lot of things, both good and bad. I’ve grown because of them, I grew with their music. I don’t think there will ever be a band that meant as much to me as The Format did. I want to be happy that I’ve had them all these years, but right now all I have to say is Ruess’ solo album better be pretty damn fantastic.