On January 23, 2026, the Arizona-based indie rock duo The Format released Boycott Heaven, their first full studio album in two decades. This long-awaited return to the music scene has generated excitement and praise from both critics and fans, who have lauded the album as a dynamic blend of pop-rock energy and introspective lyricism. For many, this record not only marks a return to their familiar sound but also represents a significant evolution of the band’s artistic vision.
The album begins with the energetic “No Gold at the Top,” a raucous rocker that sets the tone for the entire record. From the outset, it’s clear that The Format has come back with renewed vigor, revamping their riff-driven sensibilities. The song opens with a driving rhythm that quickly builds into a full-on anthem, making it an immediate standout. This track establishes the band’s dynamic balance of bold, brash energy and mature reflection—a theme that continues throughout the album.
Boycott Heaven is an 11-track journey that explores a range of themes, from existential musings on identity and aging to more personal reflections on relationships and self-belief. This thematic breadth demonstrates the band’s growth and maturity since their early 2000s releases. In contrast to their earlier work, which was often centered around youthful angst and the thrill of discovery, the songs here are introspective and contemplative, tackling life’s complexities with a more nuanced perspective. Yet, despite these deeper themes, the album does not lose its signature melodic sensibility.
Many of the tracks on Boycott Heaven are marked by infectious hooks and catchy choruses, blending upbeat, raucous anthems with slower, more reflective moments. While some songs venture into existential angst, others balance the emotional weight with memorable, melodic hooks that evoke the band’s earlier work. The mix of hard-hitting rockers with softer, more introspective pieces allows the album to maintain a sense of emotional depth while still appealing to those who crave the energetic spirit of their past music.
The record stands out as much more than just a nostalgia trip for fans of The Format’s earlier albums. Rather than simply revisiting past glories, Boycott Heaven takes their established sound and expands upon it, crafting a musical narrative that feels relevant and fresh. In doing so, the duo has successfully re-imagined their musical voice for a new era, while still retaining the elements that made them so beloved by their fans.
Critics have noted that the album feels both like a continuation of The Format’s musical journey and a bold step into new territory. This balance between nostalgia and reinvention is perhaps one of the album’s most compelling aspects. The songs still carry that signature mix of pop-rock energy, clever lyrics, and raw emotion, but now infused with a deeper sense of self-awareness. The tracklist moves seamlessly between moments of reflection and bursts of youthful vigor, ensuring that the album resonates with both long-time fans and new listeners alike.
The Format has spent two decades away from the spotlight, but Boycott Heaven shows that their ability to evolve as artists remains strong. The album is not merely a return to form; it is a reimagining of their artistic voice, one that proves the duo’s ability to adapt to changing times while staying true to the core elements that made them stand out in the first place. For fans who have been waiting for a new chapter in the band’s story, Boycott Heaven offers not only a return but also a reinvention, marking an exciting new phase in The Format’s musical evolution. The album serves as a reminder of the enduring power of their music and their ability to capture the complex emotions of growing up, navigating relationships, and finding one’s place in the world.
