Far (band)

Far is a band from Sacramento, USA.

History

After a number of local releases including their first demo tape "Sweat A River, Live No Lies" and two independent albums "Listening Game" and "Quick" they signed to Epic/Immortal Records and released their first major record, "Tin Cans With Strings To You".

Their fourth album, "Water & Solutions", was released in 1998 and thanks to the single "Mother Mary" they attracted a cult following. The more melodic sound showcased on this album is increasingly cited as an influence on present-day emo rock bands by the rock press, ie: Thursday, Biffy Clyro, Jimmy Eat World. Certainly it was a departure from their earlier, much more hardcore sound (although it is still far from the emo-pop that it would quickly come to inspire).

Since their 1999 split, the former members of Far have been involved in a number of projects, often quite experimental in nature. Frontman Jonah Matranga continued with his solo project Onelinedrawing and formed the now defunct band New End Original (an anagram of Onelinedrawing). Matranga "broke up" Onelinedrawing in August of 2004. In 2005 the singer's new band Gratitude released their debut self-titled record on Atlantic Records. Gratitude, however, called it a day towards the end of 2005, playing their last US tour before splitting in December 2005. He now plays music under his own name, with new work as well as music from his previous outings.

Guitarist and founder Shaun Lopez went on to form The Revolution Smile. The band has released two records and toured around the US and Europe. He also has his own studio where he has produced such bands as Giant Drag, The X-Ecutioners, the Deftones fifth record (Saturday Night Wrist) released by Maverick Records and most recently Will Haven´s fourth record "The Hierophant".

Bassist John Gutenberger is currently playing in a band called [http://www.myspace.com/twosheds Two Sheds] ( [http://www.underacloud.net UnderAcloud Records] ) and a band called [http://www.myspace.com/jackpot.com Jackpot] .

Drummer Chris Robyn has since played several shows with Will Haven in 2000 when their drummer Wayne Morse left.

In 2008, the band confirmed they will be reforming for a handful of US dates, and also a small UK tour. Along with the confirmed UK tour, a cover of the track "Pony" by Ginuwine has been posted on the Hot Little Pony myspace.

Members

*Jonah Matranga — vocals, guitar
*Shaun Lopez — guitar
*John Gutenberger — bass
*Chris Robyn — drums, percussion

Discography

Full Albums

*"Listening Game" (1992)
*"Quick" (1994)
*"Tin Cans With Strings To You" (1996)
*"Water & Solutions" (1998)

EPs

* Soon (1997)

Promos

* The System (with E-Bomb snippets) (1998)
* Mother Mary
* Love, American Style
* What I've Wanted To Say
* In The Aisle, Yelling

7"s

* Far Does Madonna (w/Sea Pigs)
* Boring Life
* Mother Mary (1998)
* Far / Incubus split w/ Water and Solutions
* Far / Incubus / Korn / Urge Split (Far song - In the Aisle Yelling) (1997 promo immortal)
* Far / Incubus Split (Far - mother Mary Incubus - Certain Shade of Green)

Demos

* Sweat A River, Live No Lies (1991)

External links

* [http://www.wickedland.com/far/bios/ Far bios]

* [http://www.thebandfar.com/ Official Website]

* [http://www.myspace.com/far/ Official Myspace]

* [http://www.myspace.com/hotlittlepony/ Official Hot Little Pony Myspace]