So Far, So Good

In 1999, reportedly tired with the confines of a major label choke-hold (and to an extent, each other) Far – a once highly influential “post-hardcore” troupe hailing from Sacramento – eventually succumbed to the temptation of outside endeavours and went their separate ways. Though the band kept in touch sporadically, the bulk of the next decade was spent dedicated to various personal projects and occupations, before they resurfaced somewhat unexpectedly in 2008 on the back of a rather bizarre cover of Pony by frisky 90s R'n'B star Ginuwine. Despite beginning as a bit of a joke, the song – recorded under the guise of Hot Little Pony – soon saw its popularity skyrocket. Before anyone knew it, Far were back.

Jonah Matranga, the band’s ever-polite guitarist and iron-lunged front-man (also known for his numerous solo outings, particularly Onelinedrawing) seems just as confused by the nature of their own return: “It was never supposed to be a “Far” song, so the fact that it's turned into the first Far song people had heard in ten years… that was truly strange and a complete and utter accident.” Matranga explains, clearly still confounded. “When it started getting so popular we all got a bit self-conscious because it wasn’t supposed to be this big flashy comeback, it was basically just us goofing off in our rehearsal room!” he adds, chuckling a little. “But we're happy everyone liked it.”

A spate of US and European dates soon followed and before long, Far returned to the studio to record their first album in over a decade, with guitarist Shawn Lopez assuming production duties. Matranga offers some casual insight into why the timing was finally right for one of the more obscure yet celebrated reunions of recent times: “It came about because Shawn sent me a bunch of very simple demo ideas.” he says. “I just started writing vocals over those and everyone liked it.

“Initially for me it was like, if we're gonna do this, let’s do this now,” he exclaims. “I figured, once we were talking, let’s just get in the room and see how this sounds, and if it feels stupid, then there’s really no reason to continue. So once we played together and it felt fun, it was just a matter of 'ok, so what do you want to do with this?'” Quickly answering their own question, the band set about crafting some new sounds and rediscovered the creative enthusiasm they’d once lost in the mire. “I think because there was no plan, it was very exciting to hear. I’m quite proud,” says Matranga. “I think Shawn did a fantastic job, and having it just be between us really allowed a lot of creative freedom with the record. This has felt like, to me, the way it’s supposed to feel when you make music with friends. It's exciting.”

The band’s much-anticipated new album, entitled At Night We Live is due out in the spring. The title comes from a song of the same name, written in tribute to the band’s close friend and Deftones bass player, Chi Cheng – who is currently recovering from a serious car accident in November 2008. “Quite literally, it was named after a dream I had about him.” explains Matranga. “I think it’s an interesting title for a record in general, but I love how it has personal connections for us too,” he says, as if to sum up the nature of the band’s reunion. “It’s one of those things… it felt perfect.”