Biography

Introduction

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 (1991) and two independent albums Listening Game (1992) and Quick (1994) they signed to Epic/Immortal Records and released their first major record, Tin Cans With Strings To You (1996).

Their next release was an E.P. titled Soon (1997), which was quickly followed up by their fourth and most popular album to date, Water & Solutions (1998). This record attracted a strong cult following in the late 90s, due mostly to the single "Mother Mary" and their touring with long time friends the Deftones, and Incubus. 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 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 Two Sheds (UnderAcloud Records) and a band called Jackpot.

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

Return

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.

On Wednesday, October 15 2008 the band launched the official website at thebandfar.com

On October 21 Live 105 (KITS) (San Francisco) and KWOD (Sacramento) added Pony into regular rotation. On November 4 91x (San Diego) added Pony. On December 4 KROQ (Los Angeles) added Pony.

On March 2 Vagrant announced that they have signed FAR, and that the band are putting the finishing touches on their fifth studio album, which will be out this summer.

Members

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

Discography

Full Albums

Singles

Pony (cover) (2008) #40 US Modern Rock

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 (released on cd and cassatte)
Pony (1 track advance promo 4:23 on Vagrant) (2009)

7"s

Far Does Madonna (w/Sea Pigs)
Boring Life
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) (1998)