Overview
Far was an American post-hardcore band from Sacramento, California, formed in 1991 by vocalist Jonah Matranga, guitarist Shaun Lopez, bassist John Gutenberger, and drummer Chris Robyn [1][2]. Though the band achieved only limited commercial success during its active years, Far's 1998 album Water & Solutions became a cult classic that influenced a wave of alternative and post-hardcore acts including Papa Roach, Finch, and Funeral for a Friend [1][3]. The band was part of a mid-1990s Sacramento cohort — alongside Deftones, Cake, and others — that put the city on the national rock map [2][4]. Far disbanded in 1999 and has reunited periodically since 2008 [1].
Formation and early releases (1991-1995)
Far formed in 1991 in Sacramento during a fertile period for the city's underground rock scene [1][2]. The band released two independent records early on: Listening Game (1992) and Quick (1994) [2]. These early releases emphasized the band's hardcore roots and earned them a local following on the Sacramento all-ages circuit, where they played alongside Deftones and other emerging acts [2][4].
Major-label era and Water & Solutions (1996-1999)
Far signed with Epic/Immortal Records and released Tin Cans With Strings to You in 1996 [2]. The album showcased a more refined sound but did not break through commercially. The band's defining work, Water & Solutions, was recorded in April 1997, produced by Dave Sardy, and released on March 10, 1998 [1][3]. The record fused punk energy, post-hardcore dynamics, and pop melody into a cohesive 41-minute statement [2]. The single "Mother Mary" received moderate radio play, and tours with longtime friends Deftones and Incubus raised the band's profile [1]. Despite critical acclaim, Water & Solutions did not achieve major sales, and Far broke up in 1999 [1].
Reunions (2008-present)
Far reunited in 2008 and released the EP At Night We Live in 2010 [1]. The band has played sporadic reunion shows since, including festival appearances and one-off concerts, but has not released another full-length studio album [1].
Post-Far projects
The band's members went on to notable projects after the 1999 split:
- Jonah Matranga launched the solo project onelinedrawing and formed New End Original and Gratitude (the latter signed to Atlantic Records in 2005) [1][5].
- Shaun Lopez fronted The Revolution Smile before co-founding Crosses (stylized as †††) with Deftones vocalist Chino Moreno and Chuck Doom, releasing albums in 2014 and beyond [6].
Key people
- Jonah Matranga — vocals, guitar; co-founder; later onelinedrawing, New End Original, Gratitude [1][5]
- Shaun Lopez — guitar; co-founder; later The Revolution Smile, Crosses (†††) [1][6]
- John Gutenberger — bass [1]
- Chris Robyn — drums [1]
- Dave Sardy — producer of Water & Solutions [1]
Why it matters for Sacramento music
Far represents the artistic ambition of Sacramento's 1990s underground. While contemporaries like Deftones achieved multi-platinum success, Far's influence operated more subtly — through the musicians who heard Water & Solutions and absorbed its blend of heaviness and melody. Shaun Lopez's later collaboration with Chino Moreno in Crosses directly bridged the Sacramento post-hardcore and nu-metal worlds. Jonah Matranga's prolific solo career kept the spirit of the Sacramento DIY scene alive in national touring circuits. Far's story is a reminder that a band's impact on a scene is not always proportional to its commercial footprint.