The Format Return With a Splashy Ryman Debut
It has been two decades since The Format last graced Nashville’s stages. The duo, a partnership between Sam Means and Nate Ruess, last played Nashville in July of 2006, hitting the historic EXIT/IN. Now, in support of their new album, Boycott Heaven, their first since 2006’s Dog Problems, The Format look to tackle Music City’s most iconic venue: Ryman Auditorium.
This reunion tour has been brewing for over half a decade, with the band initially planning a bout in 2020. That tour ultimately failed to happen by no fault of the band, but clearly the appetite was not lost. Doubling down on the reunion plans, The Format released Boycott Heaven in January of ’26 and have made numerous late night appearances and have landed themselves on multiple festival bills.
The night began with “Matches,” a plodding melodic tune that steadily builds into a swirling concoction of synthesizers and delicate percussion. It isn’t a necessarily punchy into, nor the most provocative. It is measured, it is choreographed. It’s been a long time since The Format has graced Nashville, the band needs to ease the audience in. It takes a lot of restraint to not dive headfirst, a skill The Format has embraces wholeheartedly. Maintaining the track list from Dog Problems, the band effortlessly transitions into “I’m Actual.” For those less acquainted with The Format, this is where your interest would have been piqued. If frontman Nate Ruess’ voice feels oddly familiar on this track, that’s because it is. Ruess gained international fame during The Format’s off years as frontman for fun., the indie pop-rock outfit best known for “Some Nights” and “We Are Young.” Ruess’ high register is instantly recognizable alongside his switching of head and chest voice. His gentle ebb and flow on “I’m Actual” is relaxing, akin to a soft lullaby, right up until his blazing highs around midway through the track.
The band closed the night on a two-song heater of “Holly Roller” and “Oceans.” The former, a single from Boycott Heaven, is an absolute joy to hear live. It is instantly reminiscent of the early 2000’s alternative scene that birthed The Format, with its raw electric guitar and sharp, snappy drums. Means on guitar is a real spotlight-stealer here, adding a warm, fuzzy sound with his guitar that is reminiscent of early garage-rock revival. Ruess, much to his credit, keeps pace and delivers his vocal performance in lockstep with the six-string rather than overtop of it. It is a dynamic partnership, with neither managing to fully steal the audience’s attention for too terribly long. “Oceans,” the closer for the evening, was a party. It is light, fun, and energetic, with the historic auditorium coming to life in conjunction with the band. The chorus, one of the most bombastic of the night, is a must-singalong. Synth heavy, this track is impossible not to dance along with, downright effortless even for those with two left feet.
Setlist
Matches
I’m Actual
Tie the Rope
Wait, Wait, Wait
The Compromise
Shot in the Dark
I’m Ready, I Am
A Mess to Be Made
She Doesn’t Get It
Tune Out
Depressed
Give It Up
Right Where I Belong
Dog Problems
Sore Thumb
Boycott Heaven
The First Single
-
On Your Porch
If Work Permits
Holy Roller
Oceans
The Format is a must see for any fan of early 2000’s pop, rock, and indie music. Not only are you getting an incredible selection of hits from one of the pioneers of the sound, you’re also receiving a heavy dose of their second coming. Boycott Heaven builds on what the band laid down twenty years ago and builds it high. There’s no telling how long this reunion will last, so go see it while you can. You won’t regret it.
You can find all of The Format’s upcoming tour dates here, including a special appearance at Hinterland Music Festival after a run of acoustic shows.