The Format were an American indie pop band from Peoria, Arizona, formed in 2001 by Nate Ruess and Sam Means and disbanded in 2008 — Ruess went on to form the chart-topping Fun. Dog Problems (2006) is the cult classic: baroque power pop with horns, strings, and hooks for days. Dig into The Format vinyl, CDs, and reissues at Wax Trax Records.
The Format formed in Peoria, Arizona in 2001, built around the partnership of Nate Ruess and Sam Means. The band released two studio albums before disbanding in 2008. Ruess subsequently co-founded the band Fun, which achieved major commercial success, while Means pursued other musical and design projects. The Format reunited for performances in later years, maintaining a devoted fan base.
The Format played indie pop, power pop, and indie rock with lush, melodic arrangements, horns and strings, and Ruess's expressive vocals and detailed, narrative lyrics. Dog Problems in particular is praised for its ambitious, baroque-pop production and remains a cult favorite of 2000s indie pop.
With only two studio albums, original and reissued pressings of Dog Problems and Interventions and Lullabies are sought by fans, especially given Ruess's later fame with Fun. Colored-vinyl reissues of the catalog have circulated.
Listeners new to The Format often start with Dog Problems (2006). For related listening, see and .
