Through patience and hard work, a band might just last From Here On After. Illinois’ optimistic quintet is ready to tour and spread the word to music fans galore.

Similar to other bands, From Here On After started with a group of friends inspired to cover songs of their favorite bands. In seventh grade, guitarist Josh Peter started to jam with bassist Colin Godsey while Matthew Kramer aided them with his drums. The musicians admit the band formed for the purpose of playing the discography of blink-182. Though the trio was not thinking about the future, they decided to stick it out, quit and then decide to do it all over again.

The band originally recorded a two-song demo — a baby step for the ambitious musicians (compared to the present.) Three years ago, the band recorded nine songs but pulled the plug to go on temporary hiatus. Time passed and college came for the members, which served as the setting for the band’s final ingredient. College has the potential to be a place to meet a significant other, a business partner or possibly the last member for a band.

Evan Thorne, who is a Northern Star employee, became the act’s second guitarist.

Now with four members the ensemble played a few shows and found itself again in the studio. This time the effort would result in an actual released product.

Earlier this month, “The Stranger Danger” EP debuted at the band’s record release show at The House Café, 263 E. Lincoln Highway. More than 200 people attended the event. The seven-track EP took a six months to complete. The original three members of From Here On After explained the songs stem from collective ideas built over time.

“He said, she said” is such a song that has drastically changed through time. The tune begins with a keyboard ringing out a melody followed with arena resonating guitars. Peter sings the most, but Godsey and Thorne also lend harmonizing vocals.

Look no further than the foursome’s contemporary influences including — Motion City Soundtrack, the Starting Line, Underoath and Eve 6 — for a taste of what the pop punk and rock ensemble sounds like. The band fluctuates through keys keeping equilibrium between darker tones, not adding extra sweetener to the already coated style of pop music.

Right now the band is busy scheduling rehearsal time in-between school and work. From Here On After is already booked for two live performances in November. Douglas Hall will host the band Nov. 15 and the next day the band will play at The House Café with Treaty of Paris.

The group has also partnered with a tour manager in preparation for a spring or summer tour.

Adrian Finiak is a music critic for the Northern Star.