Artist: The Format
Album: Dog Problems
Label: Independent / Nettwerk Music
Purchase: Amazon
Release Date: July 11, 2006
Overall: 9.5
Music: 9.5
Lyrics: 9.7
Production: 9.4
It’s hard to believe that this is the same band that two years ago released ‘Interventions and Lullabies.’ The Format, Nate and Sam, their story is like a prime-time soap opera that I won’t dive into, you can read it in their online community The Living Room.
Dog Problems is the product of countless personal problems and problems between The Format and the recording industry. As I wrote in my review of their Pomona, CA show, this album is not due to be released until July. However, due to the record leaking digitally, the band and their management company Nettwerk made the decision to put it online. For $.79 a song or all 12 for $7.99, you can download DRM-free high quality mp3 versions of the album.
My first impression when I downloaded it was that I cannot wait to see the artwork, because this is not just another recording of songs, this is art. The vocals, remeniscent of Queen, fill any place that you may have once not found sound. The music explores lands reached by bands like The Flaming Lips and The Appleseed Cast, while continuing to include their signature pop hooks and melodies.
Vocally, Nate has reached a new level with his performance on this album. Layer upon layer of background vocals are produced eloquently to complement the sometimes poignant lyrics. Choruses that hang on the mind indefinitely are no longer just ‘clap your hands’ rally cries. The Format have sent a message to the industry with this record, while also capturing the energy of the band’s dynamic live show. Every single song contributes a different aspect to this epic album; There is no doubt in my mind that Atlantic Records will seriously regret the loss of this group of ridiculously talented musicians.
Tracklisting
1. Matches
2. I’m Actual
3. Time Bomb
4. She Doesn’t Get It
5. Pick Me Up
6. Dog Problems
7. Oceans
8. Dead End
9. Snails
10. The Compromise
11. Inches And Failing
12. If Work Permits
Dog Problems is a great album, but if you’re like me, it may take a few listens to get it. At first listen some of the tracks sounded like carnival music, but after listening a few more times it just works. The first two tracks were not my favorites at first, but #3 “Time Bomb” and #4 “She Doesn’t Get It”, along with #7 “Oceans” and #8 “Dead End” are absolutely top notch and have huge hit written all over them. Track # 9 “Snails” has grown on me and become one of my favorites, and #10 “The Compromise” is the first single released off the album and can be seen on their myspace page http://www.myspace.com/theformat. For those fans of their first album “interventions and lullabies”, this album may take some getting used to, but in the end it equals or betters the first release and hopefully will get the recognition it deserves.