Against the Grain

Overview

Against the Grain is a group name used by more than one act. One version is a punk-hardcore band that starts in the mid-1980s in MV and San Juan Capistrano, alongside other local bands such as U.T.I., Violation, Hangover, Bored to Death, F.R.I., Virulence and Symbolism Of Belligerency. The band begins as a three-piece and develops a DIY reputation in its local scene, making its own gigs, flyers and parties.

Another version of Against the Grain, also known as ATG, is a four-piece band from Motor City that starts in 2009. This act plays speed rock with elements of punk, rock and roll, doom and thrash, and is described as focusing on direct rock music rather than gimmicks. It tours widely across the US and has played more than 100 shows a year.

Early punk-hardcore activity

The mid-1980s punk-hardcore line-up tours and becomes one of the first acts from the area to secure higher-profile bookings. The band records material after signing to a label, but the company goes bankrupt before the album is released. The test pressing is lost and never found. The group also issues its own cassette, a live and raw two-track release called Lost in a Maze, and appears on the compilation O.C.'s Trail of Destruction as well as other low-budget DIY compilation cassettes.

The scene around the band is closely tied to San Juan Capistrano and the wider Orange County punk underground, with a strong do-it-yourself approach and a sense of being outside the more visible Huntington Beach spotlight.

Speed-rock line-up

The ATG version is a four-piece act from Motor City that forms in 2009. Its sound combines punk, rock and roll, doom and thrash into a heavy, fast-moving style. It tours throughout the United States and builds a large live workload over a relatively short period.

Members

One verified member listed for the group is Luca Ricci.