THE FORMAT
BOYCOTT HEAVEN
WRITTEN BY JD ESTRADA
This album starts with "No Gold At The Top", channeling Arcade Fire.
While "Holy Roller" reminds me a bit of Weezer.
But before you think this band sounds like an amalgamation of influences, every single artist and band I mention is for reference to explain what I hear on this album as a selling point, not because The Format is imitating anyone. Ruess’s voice might be make or break for some, though I think most people would enjoy it.
Track Three is "Shot in the Dark", and it has such a catchy hook that oozes sunshine to the point that said shot in the dark is a big bright one.
"Forever" continues with the catchy brightness. It has a bright guitar riff and call- back chorus chanting ‘Forever’ often enough to drive the message home. Guitars and some keys in the background add some lovely texture to the track and it’s a worthy happy mug of coffee song if there ever was one.
"Depressed" is a track that probably would piss the Foo Fighters off because it sounds like a Foo Fighters track, but not a lazy default Foo setting. It’s bright, big, and the indie band version of those big anthem rockers and the pivot at the 1:45 mark is just delicious. I won’t describe it further, but will say I really enjoyed it.
"No You Don’t" brings a bit more of that Weezer vibe, with tight drums, and a pretty cool guitar melody for the verse before sliding into a funky bridge and then a toight-like-a-toiger chorus that is worthy of buying a lighter if you see them live.
"Right Where I Belong" is the next track, and it’s a nice, sweet acoustic number, stripping things back and even giving a glimmer of Americana vibes. It’s a very tender and unassuming track that can’t help but be charming AF.
"Human Nature" picks everything back up as the tempo brings some sharp guitars and more catchy head bopping goodness. It’s a reminder that rock can be a very happy thing and that sometimes, that’s just what we need.
"Leave it Alone" has fugue-like vocals and it’s about the situation in Gaza while people insist on ignoring it. Beautiful track that slaps you on the face. The marching drum is an extra touch to hit home the message, and it definitely makes you wonder, how the hell did we get so good at disassociating?
The album’s title track is #10 as "Boycott Heaven" and the melancholy guitar melody reminds me a bit of Semisonic’s Closing Time, except that this is a different type of anthem. It’s frustrated with matters of faith and bullshit faith at that. The melody at one point reminds me of either “So You Wanna Be A Boxer” or “You Gotta Give A Little Love, made famous in the Bugsy Malone soundtrack. There’s just something right about being reminded of the melody in either track because in Boycott Heaven it’s not reminiscing, it’s lamenting that we’ve strayed so far from any sense of moral decency in these times.
The final track is "Back to Life", a piano-driven ballad that is delivered so earnestly you’d think Nate came from the 70s and time-traveled to write this damn track to hit you in the feels. The Queen-esque guitar solo is such a nice touch, and this is the perfect closer for a pristine album.
Curiously, the first time I heard this album, I didn’t love it. After four full listens, I’m queuing up the entire discography and adding this to my list of best albums of 2026. At the very least, it’ll get an honorable mention…but I have a feeling I’ll be listening to this album quite a few more times. Cheers.
YOU CAN GET THIS ALBUM HERE ON BANDCAMP
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