The Format Returns with New Album 'Boycott Heaven'

After a long hiatus, the indie pop-rock duo overcame pandemic and natural disaster challenges to record their first new music in nearly 20 years.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 10:50pm

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The Format, the indie pop-rock duo of Nate Ruess and Sam Means, is making a comeback with their new album 'Boycott Heaven.' The album's creation was marked by challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic and wildfires in Los Angeles, but the duo persevered to record their first new music together in almost two decades. 'Boycott Heaven' blends the band's signature sound with nods to the alt-rock, grunge, and pop-punk influences that first brought Ruess and Means together as teenagers in Arizona.

Why it matters

The Format developed a devoted fanbase with their 2003 debut 'Interventions + Lullabies' and 2006's 'Dog Problems' before going on hiatus in 2008. Their return with 'Boycott Heaven' marks an exciting new chapter for the band and will be welcomed by longtime fans eager to hear new music from the duo.

The details

After the pandemic and wildfires initially derailed their reunion plans, Ruess and Means eventually reconnected to record 'Boycott Heaven' at Henson Recording Studios with Grammy-winning producer Brendan O'Brien. The album features the duo playing electric guitars, with O'Brien on bass and drummer Matt Chamberlain rounding out the rhythm section. The songs blend the band's pop sensibilities with grunge and alt-rock influences from their early days.

  • In August 2024, Ruess reached out to Means with a set of guitar-based demos, kickstarting the process of creating new Format music.
  • The band recorded 'Boycott Heaven' at Henson Recording Studios following their initial reunion plans being disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and Los Angeles wildfires.

The players

Nate Ruess

One half of the indie pop-rock duo The Format, Ruess is also known for his work as the lead singer of the chart-topping band fun. and his solo career.

Sam Means

The other half of The Format, Means has focused on solo musical work and his independent music merchandise company Hello Merch since the band's hiatus.

Brendan O'Brien

The Grammy-winning producer who worked with The Format on 'Boycott Heaven', known for his work with acts like Pearl Jam, The Killers, and Bruce Springsteen.

Matt Chamberlain

The drummer who played on 'Boycott Heaven', with a resume that includes work with David Bowie, Bob Dylan, Soundgarden, and Fiona Apple.

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What they’re saying

“It seriously felt like the universe was against us. It was at least... It was testing us, for sure.”

— Nate Ruess

“We first bonded listening to bands like Weezer, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots. I'm a new guitarist, just enamored with power chords, so I'm listening to all this stuff we'd listen to back then and cross referencing—NOFX, Lagwagon.”

— Nate Ruess

“It does kind of bring us back. As a partnership, too. It feels like a cool extension of where we came from.”

— Sam Means

What’s next

The Format is planning a tour to support the release of 'Boycott Heaven', with sold-out reunion shows already held in Phoenix, Los Angeles, and New York where new songs were debuted.

The takeaway

The Format's return with 'Boycott Heaven' represents an exciting new chapter for the beloved indie pop-rock duo, as they blend their signature sound with the alt-rock, grunge, and pop-punk influences that first brought them together. Despite facing pandemic and natural disaster challenges, Ruess and Means persevered to create an album that will delight longtime fans and introduce their music to new audiences.