Far (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1991 in Sacramento, California, U.S. |
| Headquarters | Sacramento , United States |
| Products | Studio albums, EPs, singles |
| Website | thebandfar |
Far was a rock group originating from Sacramento, California in 1991. While their commercial achievements remained modest, their impact on underground rock scenes was substantial. They are primarily recognized for the track "Mother Mary" from their notable album Water & Solutions.
Early releases (1991–1998)
Following initial local outputs such as the demo Sweat A River, Live No Lies (1991) and independent albums Listening Game (1992) and Quick (1994), Far secured a deal with Epic/Immortal Records. Their first major-label album, Tin Cans With Strings To You, was recorded in September 1995 and released on April 3, 1996. According to their manager Troy Davis, this record is regarded as the pioneering screamo album. The song "Job's Eyes" was featured in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer episode titled "The Pack" (aired April 7, 1997). During this era, Far toured alongside heavy bands such as Sepultura and Monster Magnet, often encountering unwelcoming crowds.
The band’s subsequent release was the four-track EP Soon (1997), which included "Bury White" and "Mother Mary," both later appearing on their critically praised fourth album, Water & Solutions (1998). Produced by Dave Sardy, this album developed a devoted cult audience, driven by the success of the single "Mother Mary" and tours with peers like Deftones and Incubus. Its melodic style has been credited with influencing alternative rock groups including Papa Roach, Finch, and Funeral for a Friend.
Disbandment and subsequent ventures (1999–2007)
Following their breakup in 1999, former members of Far engaged in various experimental endeavors. Lead vocalist Jonah Matranga continued his solo work under the name Onelinedrawing and established the now-defunct band New End Original, which is an anagram of Onelinedrawing. Matranga concluded Onelinedrawing in August 2004. In 2005, his new project Gratitude released a self-titled debut on Atlantic Records, but disbanded by December after touring across the United States. He currently performs under his own name, presenting both new compositions and previous material.
Guitarist and founding member Shaun Lopez created The Revolution Smile, producing two albums and touring extensively in both the US and Europe. Additionally, he operates a production studio where he has worked with artists such as Trigger Point, Giant Drag, The X-Ecutioners, produced the fifth album by Deftones (Saturday Night Wrist) for Maverick Records, as well as producing The Hierophant, the fourth album by Will Haven.
Bassist John Gutenberger is currently active in Two Sheds alongside his wife Caitlin.
Drummer Chris Robyn performed with Will Haven in 2000 and presently plays in the post-hardcore supergroup Black Map.
Reunion period (2009–present)
In 2008, Far announced their reunion for select US performances along with a UK tour. Coinciding with the UK dates, they released a cover of Ginuwine's "Pony" on Hot Little Pony via Myspace. The band also launched their official website at thebandfar.com in October 2008.
By late 2008, their rendition of "Pony" received regular airplay on several radio stations including Live 105 (San Francisco), KWOD 106.5 (Sacramento), 91x (San Diego), and KROQ-FM (Los Angeles).
On March 2, 2009, Vagrant Records announced they had signed Far, revealing that the band's fifth studio album was nearing completion with plans for a 2010 release.
A studio teaser video for At Night We Live, their forthcoming Vagrant Records album, was posted by Far on October 17, 2009. The title track was composed in tribute to Deftones bassist Chi Cheng following his accident in 2008.
On February 10, 2010, Far revealed that At Night We Live would be released on May 18 through Vagrant Records; however, this date was postponed to May 25 due to finalization of artwork.
On June 27, 2011, Jonah Matranga stated on theFIVE10 Radio that another Far reunion seemed unlikely because of various complications but mainly due to "too much drama."
Influences
Far draws inspiration from a diverse range of artists, including Sunny Day Real Estate, Helmet, Fugazi, Led Zeppelin, Neurosis, Jane’s Addiction, Rickie Lee Jones, Bad Brains, Neil Young, Prince, as well as several musicians associated with Victory Records and Revelation Records.
Members
- Jonah Matranga – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
- Shaun Lopez – lead guitar
- John Gutenberger – bass guitar
- Chris Robyn – drums and percussion
Studio albums
- Listening Game (1992)
- Quick (1994)
- Tin Cans with Strings to You (1996)
- Water & Solutions (1998)
- At Night We Live (2010)
Extended plays
- Soon (1997)
Singles
- "Pony" (2008) reached No. 40 on the US Modern Rock chart
Promotional releases
- The System (featuring E-Bomb excerpts) (1998)
- Mother Mary
- Love, American Style
- What I've Wanted to Say
- In the Aisle, Yelling (available on CD and cassette)
- Pony (single-track advance promo 4:23 released by Vagrant) (2009)
7-inch records
- Far Does Madonna (with Sea Pigs)
- Boring Life
- Far / Incubus split featuring Water and Solutions
- Far / Incubus / Korn / Urge split including Far’s “In the Aisle Yelling” (1997 promotional release)
- Far / Incubus split (Far’s “Mother Mary,” Incubus’ “Certain Shade of Green”) (1998)
- Pony with acoustic version of “Pony” (2009)
Demos
- Sweat a River, Live No Lies (1991)