Far - At Night We Live
Rating
RIYL
DeftonesSunny Day Real Estate
Rival Schools
Release Date
05/25/2010
Label
Vagrant RecordsTracklist
01. Deafening02. If You Cared Enough
03. When I Could See
04. Give Me A Reason
05. Dear Enemy
06. Fight Song #16,233,241
07. At Night We Live
08. Burns
09. Better Surrender
10. Are You Sure?
11. The Ghost That Kept On Haunting
12. Pony
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When Sacramento’s Far broke up in 1998, they went out with a bang after releasing their undeniable masterpiece Water and Solutions. I remember listening to that album like it was my job when I was in high school, and the fond memories have never faded. Whatever their reasons were, Far broke up shortly after its release, halting what seemed to be one of the best and brightest emerging bands. Their influence, however, soared in their absence; partly responsible for creating an entire genre that would never live up to the promise and prestige Far had created. Over a decade later, the quartet have returned with a new album, new label, and a sound both new and old. The musical landscape has changed quite a bit since their last record, and Far have adapted with the times while also keeping one foot firmly planted in catchy post-hardcore. Their reunion isn’t your typical money hungry drive for quick cash, though, as the band came back together in a most unusual way. After getting together over at guitarist/producer Shaun Lopez’s place, the band decided to have some fun and record a cover version of 90’s R&B singer Ginuwine’s hit single, “Pony”. No one expected much from this recording, as the band released the track under the disguise name Hot Little Pony [now included on the album as a welcomed bonus track]. Word spread quickly however, and the song received airplay on several US stations before becoming a major hit in the UK. And just like that, Far had returned. The band signed with Vagrant Records to release their fifth album At Night We Live, a passionate set of songs that travels through the many extensions of Far’s sound.
The album opens with lead single “Deafening,” an interesting choice for a band who has been away for nearly twelve years. The track opens with a brooding assault that swarms with dark lurking guitars. This is not the Far fans were expecting, but is that such a terrible thing? This record requires an open mind from the listeners, and all those willing are rewarded with a diverse album. The song may be different from anything they’ve done in the past, but it’s still very much Far, perhaps even a song mainstream enough for the radio airplay they never received in the 90s. The chorus is anthemic as Jonah Matranga’s distorted vocals command the track with booming clarity. Production takes a glossier turn this time around, done in-house by the band’s very own Shaun Lopez. In an interview with ExplodingInSound.com, Lopez said the album would find the heavy aspects heavier and the poppy aspects poppier, and that’s exactly what they’ve done. “If You Cared Enough” has a gentle pop edge, as Matranga’s vocals emote with a gorgeous melody over top the surging reverb thick guitars. “When I Could See” is the first glimpse back into the heyday of the band, with a hook that will instantly draw listeners back to the glory of Water & Solutions. The song doesn’t simply recreate the past, as the band has grown in their sonic palette, showcased by stunning delayed guitar riffs that explode just as quickly as they retreat. Matranga’s vocals creep over the lush landscape with breathy emotion that never comes across sounding soft or weakened.
“Give Me a Reason” is another certified pop song, with big sing a long choruses, bright melodies, and catchy upbeat rhythms. The bouncy track proves why so many “emo” and post-hardcore bands cite them as an influence, but ultimately it is not one of my favorite tracks on the album. “Dear Enemy” moves in a heavier and far more disjointed pattern, holding no punches with the sharp rhythmic jabs. Matranga’s voice sounds honest and focused, as the combination of rough and beautiful blend perfectly together over the spiraling washes of guitars and stop/start action of bassist John Gutenberger and drummer Chris Robyn. The band is as tight as ever as they explore today’s modern rock sound, providing radio friendly rock with a healthy share of instrumental intricacies along the way. “Fight Song #16,233,241” takes the band further back into their catalog, reminiscent of their Tin Cans With Strings To You material thanks in part to a hard charging drum pattern, enormous gang vocals, and a seething vocal performance from Matranga that serves as the band’s take no prisoners call to arms.
The title track, “At Night We Live,” may very well be the best track on the album, holding a great deal of significance to both the band and their fans, as it is dedicated to close friend and Deftones’ bassist Chi Cheng. Since a car accident in November 2008, Cheng has been in a coma with little to no responsiveness. The track is about a dream Matranga had in which he spent time hanging out with Cheng, as he sings, “In the daytime we’re dead, but at night we live,” for the song's hauntingly powerful chorus. As the song opens there is a noticeable Deftones vibe to the guitars and their sonic qualities, which makes sense as Lopez has worked as a producer on both of their previous albums, while Matranga delicately sings, “I dreamt that you were alive, really alive.” The song builds with beautiful resonating progressions and a complex rhythm, enough to impact both die hard fans and first time listeners. “Burns” and “Are You Sure?” contain a very direct heart-on-the-sleeve punk vibe, as the band continue to push their sound further in new directions, drawing upon the familiar and expanding to new extremes in melody both with the guitars and vocals. The yearn of the vocals sounds genuine as they force their way to the front of the mix. The album has a strong sense of accessibility, and with that comes a greater appreciation after repeat listens. “Better Surrender” is a mid-tempo track, showcasing a grungier side to the band, with a guitar riff that could have just as easily been taken from a Local H song. The hook finds Matranga’s muscular vocals belting out, “You never know, you better surrender, just let go,” over top a stellar guitar line that winds and surges with spacey atmosphere.
“The Ghost That Kept on Haunting” is nearly twice as long as any other tracks on the album, clocking in at just under eight minutes. Haunting is definitely the key word here, as the industrial stomp of the drums would make Trent Reznor proud, while Lopez’s guitars float in the wide open space as the reverb and delay pile up in a hypnotizing splendor. Robyn’s drumming is the standout here though, as the entire mix swirls together with precision thanks to the intricately pounded rhythm that eventually fades away underneath the wall of guitar feedback. The song is the perfect ending to tie the album together, a display of the many facets that made Far the beloved cult heroes they are today. This album may not touch the majesty of Water & Solutions, but it’s certainly a welcome return for a band that still has plenty to offer.
--Dan Goldin
Comments
London, UK
Agree with this review and the last line in particular. Water & Solutions is probably in my top ten albums of all time, so whilst this doesn't compare that well, that doesn't stop it being a really good album in it's own right.
This doesn't really sound like Water & Solutions era Far to me but, 12 years on it would be kind of strange if it did. (Actually a few tracks remind me more of Tins Cans...). Overall the feel of this album is perhaps more upbeat than previous Far records. If that's indicative of the mindset of Jonah and Shaun, then that's great....but I do prefer the sound of Far when they're slightly darker. My favourites here are probably the title track, Dear Enemy and The Ghost that kept on haunting.
I still need to listen to this more and don't view it as a disapointment at all, just that Far today are inevitably a different band from before. I guess I listen to it differently as well.
I'll definitely catch them live if they play London again or if Jonah comes over on his own. Seeing him sing live is probably my favourite concert experience.
Currently listening to:
Ne Obliviscaris - Portal of I
Tacoma Narrows Bridge Disaster - Exegesis
Suspyre - Suspyre
Hot Water Music - Exister
7 Horns 7 Eyes - Throes Of Absolution
Green Brook, NJ
this album sounds more like it should have been another album from Gratitude, but oh well. still one of the better albums jonah has done. the second half of this album is absolutely perfect.
Brooklyn, NY
that's rough. I personally couldn't stand Gratitude or most any of Jonah's other projects. For me it's always been about Far. I did really like the second album from Shaun's Revolution Smile though.
www.explodinginsound.com
Minnesota
I loved Gratitude. If anything, I would rather have a new Gratitude album than a Far album. Call it heresy, but there ya go.
Find me EVERYWHERE:
Green Brook, NJ
revolution smile was pretty awful and generic, i thought. that gratitude album was fan-fucking-tastic.
Dallas, Texas
Far is it, everything else was shit.
Brooklyn, NY
I agree that the first Revolution Smile album was extremely generic, but have you heard their second album "Summer Ever"? It's really good. Shows a lot of the studio tricks Shaun Lopez uses with the Deftones.
www.explodinginsound.com
Green Brook, NJ
summer ever was like their fourth album, dan. at war with plastic, we are in this alone, above the noise, summer ever.
Brooklyn, NY
we are in this alone doesn't count, it's more or less just demo versions of above the noise.
www.explodinginsound.com
Green Brook, NJ
ah, that's the only one of theirs i own and it sucks.
Brooklyn, NY
check out Summer Ever. you got nothing to lose.
www.explodinginsound.com
London, UK
Going to see Jonah play live tonight which I'm really looking forward to. He mostly plays his own songs, but hopefully he'll throw a few Far songs in as well.
Currently listening to:
Ne Obliviscaris - Portal of I
Tacoma Narrows Bridge Disaster - Exegesis
Suspyre - Suspyre
Hot Water Music - Exister
7 Horns 7 Eyes - Throes Of Absolution