Newfane began with Chris Rigopulos and Greg Huang, members of Honest Bob and the Factory-to-Dealer Incentives, playing as an acoustic duo. The group was solidified (i.e., made louder) by adding Alex Rigopulos on drums and Greg LoPiccolo on bass. Since 2019, the band has welcomed the addition of Buzz Burrowes on bass (triple B).

The band's dark and melodic sound has themes of middle-age death, despair, and destruction, with grinding riffs, soaring harmonies, and offbeat rhythms. Listeners may hear echoes of R.E.M., Pixies, Sebadoh, and Pink Floyd.

Newfane has released five EPs - most recently, "The End of Times" in 2019. The band has a song ("I Recognize") in the video game Rock Band 4, and has been played on Boston-area radio including Boston Emissions and WMBR’s Pipeline. They have shows at venues such as Atwood's Tavern, Midway Cafe, Sally O'Brien's, Plough & Stars, and the Lizard Lounge. (Photography by Haley Clemons and Tim Chinowsky.)