by Stephen Thomas ErlewineFar is an alternative-metal band based in Sacramento, California. Vocalist Jonah Sonz Matranga, guitarist Shaun Lopez, bassist John Gutenberger and drummer Chris Robyn formed the band in 1991. Over the next five years, the group gradually expanded its fan base through a series of seven-inch singles, self-released cassetes and a pair of indie CDs on Rusty Nail and Our Own Records, as well as constant touring. In 1996, the group signed with Immortal/Epic and released Tin Cans with Strings to You. The album was largely ignored, but the group continued to tour relentlessly, eventually scoring an opening slot for the Deftones in 1997. Their appearances on the Deftones' tour were well-received, setting the stage for the spring 1998 release of Far's second album, Water & Solutions.