fun. - Aim & Ignite

[Drew Beringer]

fun. – Aim & Ignite
Release Date: August 25, 2009
Record Label: Nettwerk

When The Format went on hiatus a year and a half ago, many fans of their music cried tears (maybe even pastel (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/04/Interventionsandlullabies.jpg) colored (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0d/Dogproblems.jpg) tears (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/38/Funaimandignite.jpg)?). But dry your eyes, because a musician as talented as Nate Ruess wasn’t going to be out of the music-making business for long. His newest project, fun., is a collaborative effort between Ruess, Andrew Dost (ex-Anathallo), and Jack Antonoff (of Steel Train). Their self-released debut, Aim & Ignite, is a ten track pop adventure with help from producer Steven McDonald, arranger Joseph Manning Jr., and contributions from other musicians.

Album opener, “Be Calm,” is exactly the opposite of what the title suggests. It’s vibrant and unpredictable, delighting your auditory senses. Ruess’ voice is as great as ever; poignant and full of confidence. “Benson Hedges” begins as if Ruess is leading the church choir before transitioning into a fast-paced tempo with riffs peppered throughout. “All the Pretty Girls (On a Saturday Night)” is a breezy track with a strong chorus, as strings, hand claps, and gang vocals shine in the background.

But fun. is not The Format Pt. II, as Aim & Ignite is truly a beautiful adventure for your ears. It maintains the same kind of pop sensibilities that The Format possessed, but fun. delves deeper. It’s eclectic, as it change tempos and vibes consistently, whether it’s busting out the horns (a Format favorite) or diving into Beach Boys-influenced pop. While Ruess maintains his signature biting lyric style, he also appears to be happier than ever. Tracks like the piano-paced “I Wanna Be The One (BaBaBa)” and the delicate “Light A Roman Candle With Me” are prime examples.

But Ruess does feature some fine wordplay in the vibrant “At Least I’m Not As Sad (As I Used To Be),” as he mentions, “I don’t keep friends/I keep acquainted./I’m not a prophet,/but I’m here to profit.” The instrumentation here is just delicious; there is always something new you’ll catch with repeated listens. The beach-flavored “Walking the Dog” grooves beautifully, with repeated “nah-nah-nah’s” yearning to be stuck in your head.

“The Gambler” is a beautiful piano-ballad about falling in love, with Ruess crooning, “I will never leave your side.” In an album full of standouts, this track has that little extra that can make it one of the best songs of 2009. Closer “Take Your Time (Coming Home)” is an eight minute epic that takes all the elements heard throughout Aim & Ignite and turning into a fine exclamation point for the album. Ruess’ lyrics offer hope for the future and urging everyone to forgive those around them. He exclaims, “I’m through with causing a scene,” perhaps referring to his life during the Format years. It’s a refreshing change of pace lyrically for Ruess.

It is impossible for anyone to remain in a bad mood after listening to Aim & Ingite in full. It is one of the most fulfilling albums I’ve heard in a while. The brain trust of fun. - Ruess, Dost, and Antonoff - have something to be extremely proud of; an album that is and will be well received from critics and fans alike. Aim & Ignite is what a pop album should sound like. Hell, Aim & Ignite could even cheer up Rob Gordon (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uiWlOtEjWhI/SdvmPZ-wYfI/AAAAAAAAF4M/4-Q50dbCuxU/s400/RobGordon.jpg). So turn those frowns upside down, as fun. has released the most essential pop album of 2009.

Track Listing:
1. Be Calm
2. Benson Hedges
3. All the Pretty Girls (On a Saturday Night)
4. I Wanna Be the One (BaBaBa)
5. At Least I’m Not as Sad (As I Used to Be)
6. Light a Roman Candle with Me
7. Walking the Dog
8. Barlights
9. The Gambler
10. Take Your Time (Coming Home)
Produced by: Steven McDonald

fun. is:
Nate Ruess
Andrew Dost
Jack Antonoff

Official Website (http://www.ournameisfun.com); Official Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/fun); Official AP.net Profile (http://www.absolutepunk.net/artists/showlink.php?l=10962)

[zubinmoosa]

Fantastic review Drew. Can't wait to hear this

[Cue the Sun]

there's only 10 tracks, not 13...

[Cue the Sun]

other than that, great review Drew.

[Drew Beringer]

there's only 10 tracks, not 13...
oof you know why I thought 13? Cause the new ETID album has 13 tracks and I was looking at that when I wrote that. haha

[0101]

Excellent review, Drew.

[WhoSaidThat?]

Hahaha, Rob Gordon. Good stuff, Drew.

[lightupthesky]

wonderful review, drew. haha but yeah, i'm seeing 10 tracks :P
amazing album, anyway.

[ashiex3]

Love the High Fidelity reference. This album did put a smile on my face.
Great review.

[allisterkid]

I am really excited for this album. I don't really see how it can disappoint seeing as we all know what to expect (a fun album ;-))

[Mirrorsandfevers]

High Fidelity reference. Always great.

[Thomas Balkcom]

great review, can't wait for this

[*crying stars*]

Sexcellent.

Must be one hell of a poppy album for Rob Gordon to get in a better mood, since "Walking on Sunshine" did not do a damn thing.

[eleven eleven]

great review, and really digging this album.

[kate_vox]

great review, drew!
pre-ordered this album when i saw them on tour in may, and i can't wait to get it! sounds amazing!!!

[Kurt Retenauer]

Probably my AOTY. But I love what you had to say for "The Gambler." That's becoming one of my favorites on the album. Great review.

[Alex!]

BRAIN TRUST!
Amazing album.

[xxmannequin]

Good review, awesome album.

[dddaniel]

Seriously can't wait for this. one of my most anticipated this year for sure.

[smogs]

Really well written review. I'm SO excited for this album

[SlappedActor]

Great album, and an excellent review. This will be in my top 10 of 2009 for sure.

[Shakriel]

Any review that mentions High Fidelity is a win in my book. Love this album.

[ishotthepilot]

good review. the album basically just sounds like a happier, hyper Format to me ha.

[Broclee]

Can't wait.

[Cal50]

this is pretty good but its so extremely overproduced that it loses....something. i felt the same way about dog problems. oh well, theyre both good!

[Protested Hero]

Such a great album, worth the wait.

[newfoundmichael]

"He exclaims, “I’m through with causing a scene,” perhaps referring to his life during the Format years."


I thought the same thing. Maybe a reference to 'The First Single' ?

[Drew Beringer]

"He exclaims, “I’m through with causing a scene,” perhaps referring to his life during the Format years."


I thought the same thing. Maybe a reference to 'The First Single' ?
exactly.

[sammyboy516]

i only know one song by the format, but i like what i've heard of fun. so far. this review convinced me to buy the albu. very well written; great job.

[tait]

amazing album. great review

[boxingwithstars]

haha, i like the High Fidelity reference. great review.

[azlisa]

great review.

[Steve Henderson]

Fucking killer record.

[Steve Henderson]

I will say, when the album ends, I wish it was more than 10 tracks.

[emkvetwin]

it'll be hard for me to "be calm" after reading this review.

(oof.)

[Keagan Ilvonen]

Gahh, I want this so bad. Trying to stay away from the leak. Awesome job Drew, you have me hyped for this completely.

[katieissweet]

This album is so so good. Great review.

[introduction]

love your reviews. great album.

[Gat$by]

ahhhh I can't wait for this.

[thedondeluge]

consider it bought.

[djsclaus]

I'm gonna refrain from downloading the leak, I'm gonna wait til my preorder gets here and listen to this album properly. It sounds like it deserves it

[blinkme]

awesome review. so pumped for this.

[denissuxx]

Cannot wait to hear this. I've just downloaded it, gonna give it a few listens before deciding whether to buy (pre order open in another Firefox tab)

[justinmfi]

I tried so hard not to download the leak...i did, i swear....but my temptations overcame me and i am now listening...i am buying 4 copies of the album when it comes out just to make up for it...it will make a good bday present for some of my friends...

Good Review and this album is AMAZING!!!

[live.]

This should become a classic.

[derian2219]

Definitely enjoying this album.

[johnnyflashbang]

It's not fair that you get this album a month earlier than everyone else.

I wish I had your job.

[Shatter_Glass]

cool deal. when's the release date for this?

[denissuxx]

It's not fair that you get this album a month earlier than everyone else.

I wish I had your job.

Technically, as the album leaked, everyone else can hear it

/asshole.

[inyoursea]

Such a great album. Love it.

[Illuminate]

Awesome review Drew, how does this compare to Dog Problems though?

[cgant5316]

any idea if this is going to be in stores like best buy or target?

[maker_break]

Fantastic review. This is definitely on my "must buy" list.

[CS Lewis]

Looking forward to this. They were great when I saw them open for Manchester. I need to get some funglasses, too.

[jawstheme]

:inlove:

[Chris Fallon]

This album is ridiculously good. Best pop album of 2009, for sure. Great job Drew!

[Mitch]

Great review, Drew.

I love this album.

[johnnyflashbang]

Technically, as the album leaked, everyone else can hear it

/asshole.
Chill man, I meant nothing bad with my comment.

And I didn't find out about the leak til a few hours ago.

[subwaycollision]

I'm gonna refrain from downloading the leak, I'm gonna wait til my preorder gets here and listen to this album properly. It sounds like it deserves it

Same here.

So excited.

[HometownHero]

Makes me sad to see all the people that download leaks. Gonna wait to buy this. So excited for it. Also sometimes this sites reviews are not very good. They seem more like bragging they have an album before everyone else

[Gregory Robson]

This is a solid record. It may not be as great as people say it is, but it's still pretty terrific. High 80s for me.

[foryoublue]

pastel colored tears! haha nice.

[jay_klinkhammer]

Really love it

[jay_klinkhammer]

Makes me sad to see all the people that download leaks. Gonna wait to buy this. So excited for it. Also sometimes this sites reviews are not very good. They seem more like bragging they have an album before everyone else
f u

[denissuxx]

Chill man, I meant nothing bad with my comment.

And I didn't find out about the leak til a few hours ago.

"Asshole" was referring to me, not you haha. I wasn't attacking you or anything, I was calling myself an asshole for mentioning a leak in the comments section of a review.

[leaving_astoria]

great album. i was amazed for how good it its.

[on a frequency]

SO MUCH PRAISE

i am so excited. YAY

but i think i'm going to try (as impossibly and painfully difficult as it will be for me) to not download the leak and just wait for my pre-order.

dear august 25th: please happen tomorrow?

[on a frequency]

i only know one song by the format, but i like what i've heard of fun. so far. this review convinced me to buy the albu. very well written; great job.
oooh do yourself a favor and purchase/download/somehow get your hands on dog problems, my friend. give it several fair and full listens. i think you'll thank me.

:)

[Loch_Doun]

What tracks did Sam (ex. Format) contribute to?

[Debut_Fin]

so good

[flyingmonkey711]

Agree with thoughts on "The Gambler" When I heard that song live, I pretty much knew that I would love this band for a long time...

[oncedarkness]

I never noticed that about all the albums being in pastel. I'm want to get the vinyl as a preorder but I also want the actual cd...hm.

[teh_erica]

So good.

[ManicanParty49]

Gotta love the High Fidelity reference thrown in there. This album is fantastic. There really isn't anything that I can just think of off hand that I don't enjoy.

[JordanBuell]

Im loving it. Take your time (coming home) really is amazing.

[perceptrons]

I would've liked the High Fidelity reference more had the picture not accompanied it.

[summachick708]

Awesome review, I'm so excited for this! I wish August 25 wasn't so far away...I refuse to download the leak.

[poptherock303]

ahhhhhhhh i am ridiculously excited. i preordered this back in november . this is the ONLY reason I want summer to end.

alsd;kfja;lsdkjf

[stereokiller]

too poppy.




kidding. i love it.

leak is leak. this record is fuckin' amazing. i can die for this record. kidding.

[Iwudstilldie4u]

Great review, makes me so excited for this album even though I've never heard The Format

[AmIWrong]

I hope the ship the pre orders a little early.

[fearthesloths]

Great album, I just wish they didn't change the end of benson hedges.. That part in the demo was my favourite and now I can't help but feel it is lacking in the final version.

[sammyboy516]

oooh do yourself a favor and purchase/download/somehow get your hands on dog problems, my friend. give it several fair and full listens. i think you'll thank me.

:)
i've always menat to get their stuff, just never did. i will as soon as i can though, thanks.

[nickstetina]

When you buy the $9.99 digital album on their page do you get it right away or when it comes out? I tried clicking it but it links me to the hellomerch page where the only pre-order is the $25 fan pack.

[Chemical Love]

Decent album. Looks like I'm gonna have to listen again to see how good it really is.

[ohstumbleine]

this is a great album, but they are even better live. their live show completely sold me on them.

[blimpcityhero11]

High Fidelity reference FTW. Great review for a great album.

[kevinjordan]

Just listened to them for the first time! I was a big fan of the Format but this is killer!

[mrperson13]

Great Review, excited to hear this album.

[jeffstevens199]

we dig...

[astretch4glory]

most over rated album of the year... yet still enjoyable

[xxmannequin]

most over rated album of the year... yet still enjoyable
No.

[nickthehick2]

Such a good album. Nice review

[Colinreturn]

o wow. this album is great.

[Broclee]

most over rated album of the year... yet still enjoyable
http://thevillagegreeninquirer.files.wordp ress.com/2009/05/merriweather.jpg


I think this is what you were thinking of.

[what_ever]

was not interested until i read this review

[DanielJames]

I'm going to check this out. I love The Format, but haven't really given fun. a proper chance. Very nice review.

[daygreen89]

i agree with this review 100%, this is a great album.

[Until The Bombs]

most over rated album of the year... yet still enjoyable
I think I'd hold off for more than a day after the album leaked to make that proclamation.

[bloodyr0mance87]

excellent review. waiting a whole month to get this is a huge bummer, though.

[jay_klinkhammer]

most over rated album of the year... yet still enjoyable
I'm not an expert...but I know when something is overrated.

See "The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me" or anything by Thrice.

[cscwell107]

Im really excited to listen to this

[imtimwhoareyou]

i've always menat to get their stuff, just never did. i will as soon as i can though, thanks.

Dog Problems is incredible, as I find out every time I listen to that album...

I've been worried about (unconsciously) comparing this to Dog Problems, so I'm scared to listen to any of the songs...

[The Summer Ends]

This and Never Better will be my 1-2 punch for album of the year. Not sure which is gonna come out on top though.

[astretch4glory]

I think I'd hold off for more than a day after the album leaked to make that proclamation.
make what proclamation?? that it's enjoyable?? i just think this site gives it a ton of buzz... for no particular reason.

[Until The Bombs]

make what proclamation?? that it's enjoyable?? i just think this site gives it a ton of buzz... for no particular reason.
I'm clearly refering to your statement that it's the most overrated album of the year. It's be "out" for a day. Hardly enough time to to develop an accurate enough assessment of the album's reception to be able to say something like that.

[heroesofthepast]

awesome review
definitely turned me on to this now

[marina_starr]

im so excited for this album that i can hardly contain myself.

this review was no help to ease my excitement. at all.

[radxbandit]

i've always menat to get their stuff, just never did. i will as soon as i can though, thanks.
much bigger fan of interventions and lullabies, but i'm certain that i'm in the minority. truthfully, i didn't really like dog problems all that much at all. and i'm about to get slammed for saying that...

[astretch4glory]

I'm clearly refering to your statement that it's the most overrated album of the year. It's be "out" for a day. Hardly enough time to to develop an accurate enough assessment of the album's reception to be able to say something like that.
I'm talking about the buzz leading up to the whole release and all

[Broclee]

I'm talking about the buzz leading up to the whole release and all
I don't think many people outside of our community really care about this release...at least so far. Compare that to an album like Merriweather Post Pavillion, and fun. looks completely unkown.

[astretch4glory]

make what proclamation?? that it's enjoyable?? i just think this site gives it a ton of buzz... for no particular reason.
I don't think many people outside of our community really care about this release...at least so far. Compare that to an album like Merriweather Post Pavillion, and fun. looks completely unkown.

I'm talking about this site...

[Broclee]

I'm talking about this site...
I was mostly referring back to calling it the most overrated album of the year.

[killerclownbros]

so much music understand shown from this band, its amazing

great review

[jimboj917]

I'm not an expert...but I know when something is overrated.

See "The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me" or anything by Thrice.
"The Devil and God" is the most UNDERRATED thing brand new has ever put out. certainly their best work, without a doubt.

[jay_klinkhammer]

"The Devil and God" is the most UNDERRATED thing brand new has ever put out. certainly their best work, without a doubt.
Deja is way better.

[Until The Bombs]

I'm talking about the buzz leading up to the whole release and all
Not nearly as buzzed about as you seem to believe it is.

[Sic Transit Zeb]

Deja is way better.
You're not right at all.

[lauren1234]

So excited for this album.

[GodGaveMeAGun]

After reading this positive review I just HAD to find the album online. I did. If anyone wants a link, let me know.

[Broclee]

After reading this positive review I just HAD to find the album online. I did. If anyone wants a link, let me know.
You might not wanna say stuff like that.

[Shatter_Glass]

love the single, can't wait for the whole thannnggg

[emkvetwin]

Most albums tend to drag near the end, but "Barlights" is so jazzy and (duh) fun, and "The Gambler" is just gorgeous. Digging the album, probably will go for the physical release when it comes out.

[friedicee]

I preordered the vinyl and will probably get a copy of the cd too just for good measure...

[GodGaveMeAGun]

You might not wanna say stuff like that.

Oh really? And why is that? I never gave anyone a link. I never said that instead of buying the album, I'd be downloading it for free. Sounds pretty innocent to me.

[Broclee]

Oh really? And why is that? I never gave anyone a link. I never said that instead of buying the album, I'd be downloading it for free. Sounds pretty innocent to me.
You said if anyone wants a link to the album online, you'd give it to them, which a lot of staff, especially Jason, might look at and assume you're giving out leak links, and you could get points/banned. I'm just telling you for your own good, man.

[Young Machetes]

For some reason I just can't get into this album.

[End of Disc One]

I refrained from posting here a few days because I wanted to avoid the hype, but after several listens I still think this album is the real deal. It's incredible. The Gambler is the most beautiful song of the year for me. All the Pretty Girls is the biggest guilty pleasure of the year, and Be Calm is one of the best.

[End of Disc One]

much bigger fan of interventions and lullabies, but i'm certain that i'm in the minority. truthfully, i didn't really like dog problems all that much at all. and i'm about to get slammed for saying that...
I didn't like Dog Problems much at first, but I've listened to it probably a hundred times and it just keeps getting better and better. Definitely a top 5 album of all time for me.

[batmannj]

This might be my AOTY right now. Incredible album.

[stereokiller]

For some reason I just can't get into this album.
:-0

[Daigle lol]

"The Devil and God" is the most UNDERRATED thing brand new has ever put out. certainly their best work, without a doubt.

I agree with this, completely. That CD, for me, was their best (and that's saying something, seeing as their other two CD's are incredible)

As for fun., I don't even understand how I went all this time and never listened to this band OR the Format. I've heard maybe one or two songs by the Format, but somehow they always flew under my radar. I'm definitely checking them out now, and buying this CD the first day it comes out. (is it just me or does the singer have a Freddy Mercury vibe? Idk, some of the songs definitely have a Queen sound..)

[cherbrand11]

I wish I could sing like Nate. God this album's amazing

[DoubleAW]

Great album to cheer someone up! good review.

[stereokiller]

I agree with this, completely. That CD, for me, was their best (and that's saying something, seeing as their other two CD's are incredible)

As for fun., I don't even understand how I went all this time and never listened to this band OR the Format. I've heard maybe one or two songs by the Format, but somehow they always flew under my radar. I'm definitely checking them out now, and buying this CD the first day it comes out. (is it just me or does the singer have a Freddy Mercury vibe? Idk, some of the songs definitely have a Queen sound..)
Yes, Yes. Enough Brand New!

fun. is grandiose.

[kylecrowe]

this is the best album of the year

[mrperson13]

This album is ridiculously good. Not a single bad track, so far this is my AOTY which is really surprising, kinda came out of nowhere. I love the way it gets progressively less "poppy". Jack Antoff adds so much to this project, I really hope they get big as I could see myself starting to listen to the radio again if there was stuff like this playing.

Edit: Just had to add, this album never fails to put me in a good mood. Very uplifting.

[azlisa]

any idea if this is going to be in stores like best buy or target?

not sure about target, but i'm sure best buys will have it. i'll know in a few weeks before it comes out for sure.

[anthonydarko]

This record just might be at the top of my end of the year list.

[stayweird]

I love the Rob Gordon ref.

[ind1ekid]

Really good album! Some of the lyrics are tip top! Light a Roman Candle, Barlights = brilliant! You didnt mention Barlights in your review? :|

[galvangalvan]

i love this album from beginning to end
can't stop with your review drew
you're amazing

[Brandao]

This album is so so great! I thought that Regina Spektor's "Far" would be 2009 pop album but Fun. just did it...."Aim & Ignite" is for sure 2009's pop album

[kdenn1020]

"Be Calm" has to be one of the best songs I've ever heard upon initial listen. I can't stop listening to it and its simply amazing

[jimboj917]

Really don't think this album is as great as everyone is making it to be and I LOVE the format. This album is just very lacking, and I feel bad even saying it, but I can't listen to it all the way through without thinking what would have happened if Nate Reuss hooked up with other musicians after leaving the Format. Oh well. Still a few good tracks, a lot of clunkers though.

[Young Machetes]

:-0
I dunno, I can't. I wasn't the biggest Format fan in the world either.

[dru]

this album is just incredible. loving it.

[chis08]

this cd is awesome--i'm getting it in columbus at one of the indie retail stores that'll give me a free lithograph when i buy the album! there's a list of those stores at previewnewmusic.com/fun

[what_ever]

good review, fantastic album. Nate Ruess can do no wrong.

[silentjslivjak]

great review, inspired me to pick it up and I have NOT been disappointed!

[stereokiller]

um. yep, this album is STILL as amazing as when i first heard it.

[jonenm18]

The album is amazing. Awesome review.

He exclaims, “I’m through with causing a scene,” perhaps referring to his life during the Format years.

That comes from an old format song that says "let's cause a scene."

The wordplay Nate uses is just ridiculous.

[jordalsh]

"Be Calm" blows my mind... possibly my favorite song of 2009. I need the whole album.

[katiep1088]

I absolutely LOVE this band and this album. No matter how many times I listen to it, it never gets old.
And just a side note, they put on an incredible live show :)

[CarouselBoy]

so i held off buying this cause i couldn't find it in stores and I finally caved in last week cause Amazon had it for $5. Such a great record. All the Pretty Girls is a great track and I think The Gambler is my favorite. The lyrics are so poignant.

[KeriAnna152]

Dude. I have NEVER read a review that I COMPLETELY agree with. Until this moment. I have not been able to stop listening Aim and Ignite. Thanks for hitting the nail on the head. And for giving Nate and the guys the credit they deserve.

[tpnations]

Saw these guys on Wednesday and was thoroughly impressed. Nate's voice was spot on, it just sucked that no one in the audience seemed to know who they were.

[Somedays]

I reviewed/recommended fun. on my blog: http://tcconcertgoers.blogspot.com/

[DPDurden]

excellent album. one of my all time favorites

[CavanaughPark]

such a good album. can't wait for the next one. I've heard it's coming out in August, which will absolutely be great because then I get:
new fun. album
-new Cobra Starship album (Night Shades)
-new Jack's Mannequin album (People and Things)

ughh August come faster.