Faded

The song "Faded" by Junkyard from their 2017 album High Water is a gritty, blues-infused rock anthem that marked a significant moment in the band's resurgence. Released as a single on July 10, 2015, alongside "The River" through Unison Music Group, "Faded" surprised the band with its success. Guitarist Tim Mosher, who joined Junkyard in 2000, noted in a 2020 interview with Riff Magazine that they were "shocked" by how well the song performed, as it helped propel the album to chart on Billboard's hard rock charts. The track's raw energy and soulful edge, driven by David Roach’s weathered vocals, captured the band’s punk-rock roots while showcasing their evolution. A review on Sleaze Roxx praised the album’s shift to a sound closer to Social Distortion than their earlier sleaze-rock days, with "Faded" embodying this blend of punk grit and melodic cow-punk vibes.

One piece of trivia about "Faded" comes from the band’s collaborative writing process during their reformation. Mosher shared in the same Riff Magazine interview that guitarist Brian Baker, who was loosely associated with the band due to his commitments with Bad Religion, sent song fragments while on tour. Mosher and Roach would then flesh out these ideas in the studio, with "Faded" emerging as a standout. The song’s lyrical themes of life, regret, and resilience resonate with Junkyard’s ethos, as Roach explained in a statement on Atomic Music Group: “This album is not a departure; it’s a rock ‘n’ roll record from Junkyard with songs about life, love, regret, addiction and memories.” The band’s official website also highlighted the single’s release as a precursor to their first full-length album in nearly two decades, signaling their intent to reconnect with longtime fans and attract new listeners.

Junkyard formed in 1987 in Los Angeles, born out of a rebellion against the city’s dominant hair metal scene. The band, initially featuring vocalist David Roach, guitarist Chris Gates, bassist Clay Anthony, drummer Patrick Muzingo, and later guitarist Brian Baker, emerged from the punk and hardcore scenes, with members having played in bands like Minor Threat, Big Boys, Decry, and Dag Nasty. Tired of pay-to-play gigs and the glam metal craze, they carved out a niche playing smaller, artist-friendly venues like Raji’s and Club Lingerie, cultivating a rougher, biker-inspired image. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1989 on Geffen Records, produced singles like “Hollywood” and “Simple Man,” which gained MTV and radio traction. Drawing comparisons to Guns N’ Roses, Junkyard’s sound was steeped in Southern rock and punk influences, though Baker once told Sounds magazine he “hated the concept” of being pigeonholed as Southern rock.

The band’s early days were marked by lineup changes, with original members like guitarist Max Gottlieb, drummer Johnny Hell, and skateboarder Tony Alva exiting before the debut album. After stabilizing their lineup, Junkyard toured extensively, but the rise of grunge in the early 1990s led to their dismissal from Geffen, prompting a hiatus. They reunited sporadically from 1998, with a significant push in 2000 when Mosher joined, leading to a Japan tour and the 2003 EP Tried and True. Despite periods of inactivity, the band’s loyal fanbase, described by Mosher as a “Deadhead-type” community, kept their spirit alive, with fans making “little vacations” out of their shows. Today, Junkyard remains on hiatus from touring as they work on a new album and a book, as noted on their official website.

Junkyard maintains an active online presence through their official website, where fans can find merch, tour updates, and news about David Roach’s custom art plaques. Their social media includes Facebook, Instagram, and X, where they share updates, celebrate milestones like their 35th anniversary, and honor fans. The band’s Facebook page recently posted about pre-orders for “Junkyard Classics” merch, with proceeds supporting Roach’s medical expenses. Fans can also connect via Bandsintown for tour alerts. Dedicated fan communities include the Junkyard Fan Group on Facebook, where enthusiasts share memorabilia and concert stories. Additional fan-driven content can be found on sites like AllMusic and Sleaze Roxx, which offer reviews and discography details.