Fresh from the release of their album ‘Boycott Heaven’, indie pop favorites The Format have shared a powerful new standalone single, “The Bar Is Set So Low”, now available here. The song arrives as a Bandcamp-exclusive charity release, with 100 percent of proceeds directed to organizations supporting immigrant communities across the United States. It stands as a direct and heartfelt extension of the band’s renewed creative era.
Written by Nate Ruess and Sam Means and produced by Brendan O’Brien, the track carries the same melodic urgency and emotional clarity that has long defined The Format. The song’s directness lands immediately, pairing a stomping rhythm with lyrics shaped by real-world grief and solidarity. The recording captures an unfiltered intensity that feels alive and present from the first note.
Originally written during the sessions for ‘Boycott Heaven’, the song gained new meaning through live acoustic performances during recent in-store shows. Those moments turned the track into a shared emotional release, connecting audiences through collective reflection and resolve. The response was immediate and deeply affirming, reinforcing the song’s purpose beyond the album format.
“The Bar Is Set So Low” now arrives as both a musical statement and a call to action. Its release channels empathy into tangible support, reinforcing the band’s commitment to using their platform with intention. The song resonates as urgent, human, and necessary, offering connection and care through music at a moment when it matters most.