A Long-Awaited Return
It was a shock to many in 2020 when The Format announced comeback shows in three cities, and an even greater shock when those plans were abruptly cancelled. Whether driven by pure nostalgia or the band finally receiving the widespread recognition they have long deserved, the sentiment remains the same: the music world is simply better with The Format back in the fold.
Stepping Into a Time Warp
Walking into The Format’s recent Boston performance felt less like attending a concert and more like stepping into a carefully curated time warp. For 90 minutes, the concert hall served as a sanctuary, effectively wiping away the anxieties of the modern era. There were no social media distractions or concerns about the rapid advancement of AI; there was only a crowd of 3,500 fans united by a shared love for indie pop hits. The power duo of Nate Ruess and Sam Means proved that their chemistry is entirely intact.
A Setlist Spanning Decades
From the opening notes of “If Work Permits” and “The Compromise,” it was clear that the band had lost none of their momentum. With two decades having passed since the release of Dog Problems, Nate Ruess joked with the audience about the vocal demands of the tour, yet his performance remained pitch-perfect throughout the night. The setlist was not merely a trip down memory lane; it also served as a showcase for their new album, Boycott Heaven. Tracks like “Shot in the Dark” and “Holy Roller” fit seamlessly alongside their classic discography, with Ruess particularly shining during his live guitar segments.
An Encore to Remember
The night concluded with a generous four-song encore following a 16-song main set, which included a spirited cover of R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion.” While there was a touch of irony in closing with “The First Single,” it served as a bittersweet, perfect ending to a night many fans thought would never happen. While the band members have certainly moved on to other responsibilities, this performance offered a glimmer of hope that this tour might be the first of many future chapters for The Format.
