The band moved to San Diego from their hometowns in Fairfield County, Connecticut shortly after forming in 1999 to pursue their musical desires. Vocalist/Bassist Justin Rodriguez along with brothers Marc (drums/vocals) and Adam (guitar/vocals) Allen arrived in California with a positive outlook and couldn’t-be-friendlier dispositions ready to play. Shortly after their arrival, their former second guitarist decided to leave to attend college. The band was fortunate enough to meet Dan Reed who was a perfect compliment to the personality of the band and rounded out their line up with another guitar and shared vocal duties.
With the precision of a finely crafted timepiece, Counterfit executes their songs perfectly live each and every show. Which is no small feat when you consider the amount of touring they have done the past few years. With four full US tours including bands such as Tsunami Bomb, Benton Falls, Gameface, and Mock Orange plus a stretch on the 2002 Warped Tour, Counterfit has left thousands across the country in awe. The amount of live energy and power that the songs are played with makes them an even more hyped band. A band’s band, they have shared the stage with and impressed the likes of Saves the Day, Hot Rod Circuit, New Found Glory, Superdrag, and the Mars Volta, but the list could go on and on.
They released their debut EP, On the Downside, on Alphabet Records in 1999. Today, they have established themselves as one of the premier bands to see in California, because of the intensity of their live show as well as their unique and versatile sound. Somewhere between Mock Orange, Jimmy Eat World, and Recover lies Counterfit. They will shock you with intricate parts and harmonious melodies that you didn’t think possible and before you can blink, the song explodes with the raw energy you’d expect of a hardcore band.
Counterfit’s first release on Negative Progression Records, From Finish To Starting Line, was recorded by acclaimed producer Ben Moore (Hot Snakes, Rocket From the Crypt). This EP has been re-pressed multiple times and is still gaining both respect and new fans. Their first full-length endeavor, Super Amusement Machine For Your Exciting Heart, was also met with critical praise for the evolution of their sound and anticipation from the fanbase they have built through their vigorous touring schedule. San Diego’s own commercial radio 92.1, KFSD FM has already picked up two singles from the new album (Better Late Than Never, Feel The Ride), which have quickly become a couple of the station’s top ten requested songs, and have gone into heavy rotation. Super Amusement Machine For Your Exciting Heart has grown the band’s legion of fans nationwide and even enjoyed a stint at #72 on the CMJ charts, as well as the number five spot for all alternative bands on the MP3.com charts (#1 emo, #1 punk), which includes many top major label acts. They remain one of the most downloaded indie bands on the entire web site which says two things: The people want to hear more from Counterfit and it’s time to give the people what they want.