The Format calls it quits

Arizona indie-pop band The Format posted on their MySpace yesterday that they are going their separate ways. To put it eloquently, this sucks.

These guys put on one of the single best live shows I've ever seen [show video & interview here]. There's an earnest and incisive timbre to everything that Nate sings that always snags me, with multi-instrumental cascades on so many of their shimmering songs. Their shows are well-attended by 16 year olds, but they are all very enthusiastic sixteen year olds that make the audience feel like a single writhing organism, singing along with one voice. I'll bet this announcement made at least a few girls cry after fourth period class yesterday.

Format MySpace Blog Post
Subject: IMPORTANT

"We have just put out word that we will not be making a new Format album. Please understand this was a tough decision and we're both upset about it. While we accept there will be false speculation as to why, understand that Sam and I remain extremely close and in fact are still passing the twin peaks box set back and forth in an attempt to figure out who REALLY killed laura palmer.

We also want to thank everyone with and within the Format, particularly Mike, Don, and Marko, whom without, none of this would have ever even been fully realized. We both suggest you support their musical talents and whatever they decide to do. And lastly we want to thank the fans who made this the best 5 years of our lives.

- nate"


There's such a wonderful confessional narrative in this song, "On Your Porch." This is the acoustic version from the Snails EP. The lyrics seem appropriate today, for several reasons.

"I was on your porch
The smoke sank into my skin
So I came inside to be with you
We talked all night
about everything you could imagine,
Cause come the morning, I'll be gone

. . . .

So now here I sit
In a hotel off of Sunset
My thoughts bounce off of Sam's guitar

And that's the way it's been
Ever since we were kids, but now
well now we've got something to prove
And I, I can see their eyes
Then tell me something -- can they see mine?
'Cause whats left to lose?
I've done enough,
And if I fail then I fail
but I gave it a shot

And these last three years I know they have been hard
But now it's time to get out of the desert
and into the sun
Even if it's alone
Even if it's alone

I was on your porch last night
The smoke it sank into my skin."

On Your Porch (acoustic) - The Format

[photo credit - Losanjealous]