Band-o-the-Week
The Format
Becky Hermann
Issue date: 10/19/04 Section: Features
Your ears and groove thing will thank the heavens for the Arizona duo of Sam Means and Nate Ruess, more formally known as The Format. Their delicious blend of melodies, drum machines and synthesizers makes their debut full length album, Interventions and Lullabies, a tasty treat for music fans.
Based in Arizona, the duo first released a six song EP, properly titled Ep, and once winning over local listeners and some local radio airplay with "The First Single," record labels were soon knocking at their door.
In 2002, The Format signed with Elektra. Interventions and Lullabies is a product of hard work, dedication and some well respected influences. The band names The Beatles, Cat Stevens and James Taylor as key influences and as you listen to the album, you can see exactly how much their mentors have taught them.
While listening to the music, it won't be long before you realize your foot is tapping and your head is bopping in rhythm with the songs. Fans of ballads, have no fear. The album also fulfills that requirement with "On Your Porch," a very real and touching track that offers the lyrics "...if I fail, well then I fail, but I gave it a shot..."
If anything else, The Format also have the backing of some other big names in the pop world. Bands like the Starting Line listed Interventions and Lullabies as one of their favorite albums, as did Drive Thru Records co-owner Stephanie Reines. Having people like them in your corner never hurts. Neither does gaining exposure by touring with Something Corporate and Yellowcard last year.
The Format is on tour yet again, this time with Switchfoot and Honorary Title and will be playing the State Theater on Oct. 22.
More information can be found at www.theformat.com. You can purchase this highly recommended album at Best Buy, Amazon.com and other fine music stores.
Based in Arizona, the duo first released a six song EP, properly titled Ep, and once winning over local listeners and some local radio airplay with "The First Single," record labels were soon knocking at their door.
In 2002, The Format signed with Elektra. Interventions and Lullabies is a product of hard work, dedication and some well respected influences. The band names The Beatles, Cat Stevens and James Taylor as key influences and as you listen to the album, you can see exactly how much their mentors have taught them.
While listening to the music, it won't be long before you realize your foot is tapping and your head is bopping in rhythm with the songs. Fans of ballads, have no fear. The album also fulfills that requirement with "On Your Porch," a very real and touching track that offers the lyrics "...if I fail, well then I fail, but I gave it a shot..."
If anything else, The Format also have the backing of some other big names in the pop world. Bands like the Starting Line listed Interventions and Lullabies as one of their favorite albums, as did Drive Thru Records co-owner Stephanie Reines. Having people like them in your corner never hurts. Neither does gaining exposure by touring with Something Corporate and Yellowcard last year.
The Format is on tour yet again, this time with Switchfoot and Honorary Title and will be playing the State Theater on Oct. 22.
More information can be found at www.theformat.com. You can purchase this highly recommended album at Best Buy, Amazon.com and other fine music stores.