Farside (band)

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Farside was a hardcore punk band formed in Orange County, California in 1989. The band originally consisted of vocalist/guitarist Michael "Popeye" Vogelsang (of Borderline), guitarist Rob "Cubby" Hayworth (of Hardstance), bassist Josh Stanton, and drummer Bob "Violence" Beshear (of Roughouse). Stanton later left to form 411 and was replaced by Bryan Chu. Hayworth also left and was replaced by Kevin Murphy (411, Headfirst, Chicanochrist, and Smile). Chu left the band in 1999 and was briefly replaced by Brian Balchack (Ignite, 1134) and then Sean Rosenthal (Adamantium). The group disbanded in 2000.

History

The original members were Michael "Popeye" Vogelsang (vocals, guitar), Robert Haworth (guitar), Josh Stanton (bass), and Robert Beshear (drums). Stanton left the band soon after recording the first demo to join the newly formed 411, which featured future Farside guitarist / vocalist Kevin Murphy. Zack de la Rocha briefly played second lead guitar for the band from 1990-1991 on their second demo, which was part of the "Scrap" release. Shortly after, he left to focus on his band Rage Against the Machine. The band recorded the titles "Keep My Soul Awake 7" followed by the "Rochambeau" LP. Following the recording of "Rochambeau," Haworth left the band to create State of the Nation. Kevin Murphy joined temporarily to complete the band's 1992-1993 European tour, before becoming a permanent member.

Starting with Rigged, the band made a decision to take its music in a slightly different direction. Rigged was recorded by Jim Monroe, who would go on to produce nearly all of Farside's material. The partnership with Monroe was strong, and led to the final LP's title being a dedication to Monroe. The production for "Rigged" was intended to be louder and thicker than previous Farside material and the songs themselves were more aggressive and less pop-inspired.

Farside toward throughout the 1990s. However, tensions arose because of indecision to pursue the band as a full-time career and disputes over signing to a major label. With Farside's sound being a mixture of the late 1980s post-hardcore (Dag Nasty, Hüsker Dü and the Descendents are notable influences), 1990s alternative metal (Helmet, Quicksand, etc.) and the power pop sensibilities of the late 1970s (Elvis Costello) the band never quite maintained a consistent style. As a result, it is hard to define Farside's place in the range of musical genre. As proof of this, Farside recorded several cover songs for various compilation records including straightforward interpretations of D.C.s Embrace and New Jersey power metal band TT Quick. A lounge version of the Misfits "Return of the Fly" and a rare, hard to find country and western version of "Pretty Vacant" by the Sex Pistols were also recorded.

Toward the end of 1999, Chu left the band to focus on his teaching career. Sean Rosenthal (from Orange County metalcore band Adamantium) joined as bassist to complete the band's final tour in 2000 and played on the Sex Pistols recording. The band officially disbanded shortly after returning home. There are no current plans to reunite or play again. Vogelsang is currently a member of the band Your Favorite Train wreck.

Releases

Farside's first release was the four song EP, Keep My Soul Awake , released on Crisis Records in 1990. The band subsequently released three full-length albums and an EP on Revelation Records , beginning with Rochambeau in 1992. The group's second album '' Rigged '' (album) was released in 1994 after a few changes in band members. After its self-titled EP in 1995, the band disappeared for a few years before re-emerging in 1999 with their final album, The Monroe Doctrine.

There is an additional full-length release by the band called Scrap. This LP, released on Comida Records, is a collection of early recordings from 1990 to 1994. Farside recorded several songs for various compilations including covers of Embrace, the Misfits, TT Quick, and the Sex Pistols.

External links

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