Nate Russ and Sam Means formed The Format in 2002, and the Arizona duo signed w/ Elektra based on the strength of its first single, “The First Single.” Snails came three years later in 2005 on Atlantic Records, and the EP consists of some new material and acoustic versions of three songs from the band’s debut, Interventions + Lullabies. “Janet” is perhaps one of the band’s strongest songs, it’s insanely catchy and is the perfect representation of The Format’s indie rock/folk-pop sound. “Snails” is also pleasant, and the acoustic version of “Wait, Wait, Wait” and “On Your Porch” are better than the original mixes that appear on Interventions + Lullabies. Previously only available as tour merch, this EP is a limited-edition, olive vinyl reissue from the band’s own imprint The Vanity Label.

• limited-edition olive vinyl
• 1000 copies only
• music label: The Vanity Label 2005 / 2016

reviewed by donut savage 08/2016