Virginia indie band returns to the ’Burg

Far-Less plays at Guzman’s with new addition of pianist to group

By Cassie Potler, contributing writer
Posted on November 12, 2007

Take honest lyrics, powerful guitar solos, intense vocals and unpredictable rhythms and you’ve got Far-Less, an indie band based out of Virginia. The band consists of Jordan Powers (vocals and guitar), Elizabeth “Bitsy” Pina (keys), Brandon Welch (lead vocals and guitar), Todd Turner (drums), Joseph Powers (bass) and Mark Karsten (guitar). They performed in Harrisonburg for the first time in a few years at Guzman’s this past Thursday night.

Far-Less just released their second album, A Toast to Bad Taste, on Tooth & Nail Records. Fans were excited to hear what the band would sound like with the recently added keyboard. Pina joined Far-Less around six months ago and her piano playing gives the group an even more complete sound.

Guzman’s is a local Mexican restaurant that doubles as a bar and a club. The place is generally filled with people of all ages, including college students and an older crowd.

The audience danced in front of the stage in a black light glow. When they weren’t swaying to deep beats under gold shimmering streamers, people could play pool in the back of the room or venture over to the restaurant where food is served all night.

Powers said the band was pleased with the show.

“It was a pretty encouraging turn-out considering it was a weeknight in Harrisonburg,” he said. “We saw some people singing along and it seemed like everyone was having a good time.”

Freeman Bendfelt and his friends came to see Far-Less live after hearing the band online.

“This is my first time coming here,” he said, “I’m going to come a lot more, now.”

Jordan Nuckols saw Far-Less in Roanoke this past summer. He came from Lexington to hear them again.

“I saw the Far-Less CD in a store one day and the neon green cover was so intriguing I bought it,” Nuckols said. “I wasn’t disappointed.”

For more information, check out their Web site at far-less.net.