JERRY WOLKOWITZ Members of Against the Grain, from left, E.J. Green, Eric Conceicao, J.J. Ferrito and Grant Herring, rehearse in Monroe recently.
The Monroe Township-based rock band Against the Grain sent shock waves through The Saint in Asbury Park on a recent Sunday, then left the premises to finish their homework.
The four teenagers — drummer J.J. Ferrito, 13, and guitarists Grant Herring and E.J. Green, 14, all of Monroe; and bass guitarist Eric Conceicao, 13, of Marl-boro — have had their hands full lately, juggling schoolwork and activities with a heavy performance and practice schedule.
The aspiring professionals, all of whom contribute to the vocals, have recently played venues such as the Hamilton Street Café in Monroe, the local Knights of Columbus, the recent Monroe Country Fair, the Mighty Oak Players’ talent show and several private parties. The boys are scheduled to play at Asbury Park’s legendary Stone Pony next month.
"It’s been really cool to get some exposure," said Ferrito, who was presented with his first drum set when he was 6 years old.
Herring formed the group in April 2001 with school acquaintances Ferrito and Green, only one month after Herring began taking guitar lessons. In November, the three Monroe Township High School students recruited bass guitarist Conceicao for the band.
"We actually got Eric through E.J.’s guitar teacher at Freehold Music Center," Ferrito said. "Eric had recently started taking lessons up there, so he hooked us up."
Although a guitar novice, Herring said he has been working diligently to master the craft and feels he is getting better by the minute.
"Most people who are playing for two years are not as good as me," Herring said.
The band already has its own CD, Distance: 28, with 12 songs, including "Screeching Weasel," "Against All Authority" and "Earwax." The songs were all written and performed by the teenagers themselves.
Herring and Green said they have written most of the lyrics, while Ferrito and Conceicao have admitted to being "lyrics-challenged."
In light of their accomplishments, the boys said that they have experienced some harsh criticism from rival bands and peers at school. However, they said they have not allowed it to discourage them.
"You can’t really listen to what people who don’t really know music are talking about," Herring said.
Said Ferrito: "There are tons of bands (at the high school), but most of them break up every other week."
He added that the band members in Against the Grain are dedicated to staying together. Influenced by punk rock founders the Ramones and more recent acts such as Blink 182, the boys practice on their own every day and rehearse together once or twice a week.
The three members from Monroe sing in the high school choir, while Green and Ferrito play in the school’s marching band. Conceicao plays in the Marlboro Middle School’s jazz band and string band.
Herring is also an athlete, playing on Monroe’s varsity hockey, wrestling and golf teams. Ferrito is on the high school’s junior varsity soccer team. The band members have attested to being good students and said that college is indeed on their agenda.
Chris Conceicao, Eric’s mother, said all the parents are very supportive of Against the Grain — as long as the boys stay focused on their education as well. Against the Grain will be playing along with other bands at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park on Nov. 17. For more information, log on to www.ATGpunk.cgb.net.
—Sandi Carpello