Further Seems Forever

Although Further Seems Forever never managed to retain a lead singer for longer than one album, the Florida-based band wielded considerable influence in the emo arena, becoming one of the genre's most acclaimed bands despite maintaining a relatively low profile. Formed in Pompano Beach, the band first took its lineup from three local groups: Strongarm, Shai Hulud, and the Vacant Andys. Vocalist Chris Carrabba fronted the outfit, while bassist Chad Neptune, drummer Steve Kleisath, and guitarists Josh Colbert and Nick Dominguez provided the rhythmic backbone. "Vengeance Factor," a song recorded for a Deep Elm compilation entitled Emo Diaries, helped attract an early fanbase, and a split EP with Recess Theory (From the 27th State) followed in July 1999. Embracing a mix of pop-influenced melodies, religious lyrics, and emocore tinges, Further Seems Forever released its full-length debut with 2001's Moon Is Down, released by the Christian-affiliated Tooth & Nail label. The group soon changed singers when Carrabba decided to pursue a solo career as Dashboard Confessional, a emo project that — unlike Further Seems Forever — would go on to enjoy both critical acclaim and mainstream success.

Further Seems Forever recruited former Affinity frontman Jason Gleason, and the revised band forged ahead with their new singer. Whereas Carrabba's vocals had sounded vulnerable and pained, Gleason's own voice emphasized intensity and wide range. He was first introduced to fans when the new lineup appeared on two compilations, Rock Music: A Tribute to Weezer and Punk Goes Pop. Meanwhile, additional lineup changes took place as Derick Cordoba replaced Dominguez in time for February 2003's How to Start a Fire. A powerful effort, the sophomore album proved that Further Seems Forever was more than the pre-Dashboard vehicle for Chris Carrabba, who had already made a name for himself as a solo artist. As luck would have it, though, Gleason exited the group just as work on a third album was beginning.

Undeterred, the rest of Further Seems Forever reached out to vocalist Jon Bunch, whose previous band, Sense Field, had recently dissolved. Bunch agreed to become the band's third frontman, and Hide Nothing introduced the new lineup in August 2004. The group supported its release by touring alongside Sparta, Copeland, and the Starting Line, but by the following year, the musicians had shifted their priorities. Further Seems Forever went on a brief hiatus that November, with Neptune announcing his desire to focus on family matters instead. A formal breakup arrived in early 2006, punctuated by a farewell tour and the March release of Hope This Finds You Well, a career retrospective that included fan favorites, rarities, and B-sides. 567 Records then issued the CD/DVD The Final Curtain in early April 2007, which included unreleased material and footage of Further Seems Forever's last show on June 17, 2006. ~ Andrew Leahey & Corey Apar, Rovi