Further Seems Forever - Hope This Finds You Well (CD)
- New Factory Sealed
- 2006 Tooth & Nail Records
- Hype Sticker
- TND49570
Although Further Seems Forever never managed to retain a lead singer for more 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 titled Emo Diaries, helped attract an early fan base, 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 their full-length debut with 2001's Moon Is Down, on the Christian-affiliated Tooth & Nail label. The group soon changed singers when Carrabba decided to pursue a solo career as Dashboard Confessional, an 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 the new singer. Whereas Carrabba's vocals had sounded vulnerable and pained, Gleason's own voice emphasized intensity and a 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 were more than a 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.