Aim and Ignite
August 25, 2009
42:20
Background[edit]
On February 4, 2008, the Format broke up.[1] Soon after, vocalist Nate Ruess had called up Jack Antonoff, from the band Steel Train and Andrew Dost of Anathallo,[2] They created the band Fun. and headed into the studio with producer Steven Shane McDonald.
Composition[edit]
The album was described as "what a pop album should sound like" and "the most essential pop album of 2009" by AbsolutePunk.[3] AllMusic compared the trio to Queen and the Electric Light Orchestra.[4] It was said "it used previous Format tricks like using bright horns and sophisticated harmonies".[5]
Release[edit]
On April 20, 2009, it was revealed that fans could download "At Least I'm Not as Sad (As I Used to Be)" for free upon signing up with the band's mailing list. In addition, it was mentioned that the band's debut album would be released in August.[6] Between late April and early June, the band supported Manchester Orchestra on their headlining tour of the US.[7] On May 19, Aim and Ignite was announced for release in August. In addition, the album's track listing was revealed.[8] In August, the band went on a tour of the US with Hellogoodbye, Limbeck and My Favorite Highway.[9] Aim and Ignite was released on August 25 through Nettwerk.[10] Two of the bonus tracks are re-imagined versions of songs on the CD, and two are remixes.[11] The title of the album comes from a line of the lyrics on the track "Light a Roman Candle with Me". Following a support slot for Motion City Soundtrack, Fun supported Paramore on their headlining US tour in April and May.[12][13]