Farside (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Defunct | 2000 |
| Headquarters | Orange County , United States |
| Products | Hardcore punk music |
Farside was a hardcore punk band originating from Orange County, California, USA, established in 1989. The ensemble ceased activities in 2000.
History
The band's initial roster consisted of Michael "Popeye" Vogelsang (vocals, guitar), Robert Haworth (guitar), Josh Stanton (bass), and Robert Beshear (drums). Stanton departed shortly after the debut demo to join 411, a group that included future Farside guitarist and vocalist Kevin Murphy. Between 1990 and 1991, Zack de la Rocha briefly contributed as a second lead guitarist on their second demo (featured on the Scrap album) before leaving to dedicate himself fully to Rage Against the Machine. Farside went on to release the "Keep My Soul Awake" EP along with the Rochambeau LP. Following these releases, Haworth exited to start State of the Nation, and Murphy stepped in to complete the 1992–1993 European tour, subsequently becoming a permanent member.
With the album Rigged, produced by Jim Monroe, Farside transitioned to a denser, louder sound characterized by more forceful tracks and reduced pop elements. Monroe continued to produce nearly all their later works, with their final LP serving as a dedication to him.
Throughout the 1990s, disagreements developed within the band regarding full-time commitment and major label contracts. Farside's musical style combined influences from late 1980s post-hardcore acts like Dag Nasty, Hüsker Dü, and Descendents, with 1990s alternative metal groups such as Helmet and Quicksand, alongside late 1970s power pop artists like Elvis Costello. This eclectic mix made it challenging to categorize their genre precisely. The band also recorded covers for various compilations, including songs by early emocore band Embrace, New Jersey power metal group TT Quick, a lounge rendition of the Misfits' "Return of the Fly," and a country-style version of "Pretty Vacant" originally by the Sex Pistols.
In late 1999, Bryan Chu left the group to pursue a teaching career and was replaced by Brian Balchack (guitarist for Ignite) for performances around the release of The Monroe Doctrine. Due to Balchack’s own touring obligations, Sean Rosenthal from Orange County metalcore band Adamantium took over bass duties for the final tour in 2000 and contributed to the Sex Pistols cover. The band dissolved shortly afterward with no intentions of reuniting.
In 2005, Vogelsang briefly toured with Orange County rock outfit The Aquabats, appearing in their "Fashion Zombies!" music video and on Attack of the Show, although he did not participate in any recordings. Currently, he remains active with Your Favorite Trainwreck and Calling Hours.
Members
- Final lineup
- Michael "Popeye" Vogelsang – vocals, guitar (1989–2000)
- Bob Beshear – drums (1989–2000)
- Kevin Murphy – guitar, vocals (1993–2000; touring 1992–1993)
- Sean Rosenthal – bass (1999–2000)
- Previous members
- Robert Haworth – guitar (1989–1992)
- Zack de la Rocha – guitar (1990–1991)
- Josh Stanton – bass (1989–1990)
- Bryan Chu – bass (1990–1999)
- Brian Balchack – bass (touring 1999)
Discography
Farside made their initial appearance with the EP Keep My Soul Awake, released through Crisis Records in 1990. They went on to produce three full-length albums along with an EP under Revelation Records, beginning with Rochambeau in 1992. Their sophomore album, Rigged, came out in 1994. Following a self-titled EP in 1995, the band released their final studio album, The Monroe Doctrine, in 1999.
The band's earliest two demos from 1990 were compiled on the album Scrap, which was issued by Comida Records. Additionally, Farside contributed songs to several compilation albums, including cover versions of tracks originally by Embrace, the Misfits, TT Quick, and the Sex Pistols.
- Studio albums
- Rochambeau (1992, Revelation Records)
- Rigged (1994, Revelation Records)
- The Monroe Doctrine (1999, Revelation Records)
- EPs
- Keep My Soul Awake (1991, Crisis Records)
- Farside (1995, Revelation Records)
- Sense Field / Farside split (1997, Revelation Records)
- Compilation albums
- Scrap (1994, Comida Records)
Appearances in popular culture
The song "Seven Day Constant" from the album The Monroe Doctrine was featured in the 2001 video game Amped: Freestyle Snowboarding.