Although never quite as successful as the bands they helped inspire, Far left a permanent mark on the post-hardcore landscape. 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 Sacramento natives gradually expanded their fan base through a series of 7" singles, self-released cassettes, and a pair of indie CDs on Rusty Nail and Our Own Records, as well as frequent 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 1998 release of Far's second major-label album, Water & Solutions.