In all honesty, I chose to review The Format's Dog Problems simply to avoid reviewing a hardcore album, which is often difficult to complete cliché-free, and I would have just said each song makes me want to head-butt the steering wheel of my car. I had little to no interest in this band, or any expectations for this album to be a good one. In fact, I was hoping to get the opportunity to write a scathing and career ending review. To my dismay, that is going to have to wait. Dog Problems not only surpassed my expectations, but quickly became one of my favorite releases of 2006. This is the kind of album that you push on every single one of your friends, and call them uncultured swine if they're not into it, but you know it's justified. It's that good.
What sets The Format apart from their pop-rock counterparts such as Copeland and JamisonParker - are those guys even together anymore? - is that they mix feel good pop songs with interesting and eclectic styles of music. This can be seen in "I'm Actual" and the waltzy, sometimes orchestral, title track "Dog Problems." At times these songs feel like they're a part of a punk-rock high school musical, but in a cool way unlike those fucks Panic! at the Disco. Weird, but strangely awesome.
Dog Problems is what a pop rock album should sound like. The music is top notch, the lyrics are biting and clever, and the bubblegum is in full effect. The Format went out on a limb for this record, busted out all sorts of wacky instruments, and came up with twelve jams that will make you want to sing along with your friends, cuddle with a significant other, and produce a Broadway show. No matter what you're into, keep an open mind and go check out Dog Problems.
