Facts. So good. Criminally underrated. Another band from the same Era that was amazing, The Jealous Sound. Their album Kill Them With Kindness is a masterpiece.
I'd totally forgot about this lil interaction lol but I'm happy to hear you gave them a listen. Lyrically I get the Sorority Noise vibe, and musically I see the American Football. I've always had a hard time relating them to another artist. They're one of those bands that's kinda hard to pinpoint. They're like... a late 90s alternative and 2000s emo bastard child that hardly anybody heard. I can't recall how I even heard em all those years ago lol.
I totally agree with your assessment of The Format though. They invoke feelings and emotions in a myriad of ways.
Jack Antonoff is an excellent producer, he really made Some Nights as catchy as it was. As much as I love Nate, he really excelled with a partner. Just as he was able to work so well with Sam Means in The Format. Even the song he worked on with P!nk shows he has great talent, but he shines best when he can collaborate with another talented artist.
Nate's solo album didn't hit the same chords for me.
I tend to gravitate towards 'All the pretty girls' but I can put this album on repeat and sing along to the whole thing.