Sitting on a blue couch, nursing a beer in his Brooklyn apartment, it’s hard to tell that Jeff Moore, 26, is a big rock star. But he is... in Japan. Along with brother Justin Moore, 25, cousin Jaye Moore, 26and old buddy Chris “Harv” Harvey, 27, Jeff is part of the pop-rock band Orange Park.

Fighting anonymity in the States, Orange Park enjoys a large degree of celebrity overseas. The Japanese love for the band’s unique brand of catchy rock is as constant as the rising sun. Somewhere in Japan there is a Tower Records display featuring their recently released CD “Songs From the Unknown” next to that of a little band called U2.

Though Japan is not New York and New York is where the boys are. With the local scene more congested than the Lincoln Tunnel during rush hour, getting caught up in the struggle can be draining. Tossing aside these notions, and his shoes, Justin declared, “the scene doesn’t make the band; the band makes the scene.”

Dressing the part doesn’t hurt either. Borrowing slightly from the hipster handbook, the boys are a study in trendy thrift store nonchalance.

Bartenders and truck drivers by day, they are rockers at night, and in their hearts. For this band of brothers, Orange Park is the ultimate answer. There are no other options to be chosen and no other dreams to be dreamt.

“We always knew we were going to do it,” said Justin and Jaye simultaneously.

As cousins, they are used to sharing things: Thoughts, food, ambitions, music. Lounging around Jeff’s apartment, the camaraderie was palpable as they launched into the oft-recited tale of their humble beginnings. The boys have been jamming since they were children. Each playing in separate groups throughout high school, they finally hit upon their winning formula in 2001. Working with family has its downsides. “It’s very brutal,” said Jeff.

But having such close ties and sharing so much history can yield something special. And it does. Jeff continued, “Whether it’s because we’re related…or have the same vision for our music, the four of us playing together is all we really need.”

They are similarly adamant about their band’s name. A friend’s offhand suggestion, Orange Park, a suburb of Jacksonville, Fla. where they grew up, seems perfect. “It feels appropriate for some reason,” said Harvey as he fiddled with some drumsticks.

Citing rock bands the Foo Fighters, Cheap Trick and Oasis among their influences, the boys find themselves constantly affected by their everyday surroundings and each other’s varying tastes.
The resulting sound is typically described as “power pop.”

“We’re not afraid to be pop,” said Justin.

“What we’re doing has merit,” said Jeff, completing his younger brother’s thought as he often does. The brothers share lyric-writing responsibilities, creativity running through their veins.

Power pop aside, the music by this talented and exuberant foursome is melodic, rockin’ and powerful. And yes, poppy too. With perfect harmonies and more hooks than an overstuffed tackle box Orange Park earns every bit of accolade it receives.

“There’s nothing about them that is fake or contrived. They just rock,” said loyal fan, Sarah Pesin, 17, of New Jersey. “They all know each other so well and they just feed off that.”

Constantly playing to packed rooms and loyal fans at small downtown clubs like the Luna Lounge and Arlene’s Grocery, Orange Park has yet to grace the marquee of larger venues. Forever optimistic yet pragmatically realistic, the boys know they can only rely on themselves.

“I’ll tell you what makes us different,” began Jeff, pausing to collect his thoughts. “A lot of bands have been doing it for a while. If things don’t go their way, they’ll change or break up. We’ve never given up.”

And the boys play on. On a recent Saturday night, they loaded their van with carefree precision, moving comfortably through the practiced routine. They smoked and gossiped contentedly on the short ride from Brooklyn to Manhattan’s Arlene Grocery, frequently fiddling with the radio. Arriving early, they hunkered down at a wooden table with some beers as their friends began arriving. Time passed as glasses emptied and excitement increased. Thirty minutes after their 10 p.m. slot, Orange Park strode onto the low, dark stage.

Sharing genes and vocal duties, guitarists Justin and Jeff flanked the stage, with skinny bass-player Harvey in between and drummer Jaye in the back. Guitars blazing, they quickly shed their casual off-stage personas, replacing them with their roaring inner pop-rock gods.

Justin played his guitar with passionate intensity and Jeff sang with equal fervor, as they belted out their carefully crafted songs about girls, friends and life. Feeding off their remarkable connection, the music seemed to flow effortlessly from the four sweaty lads.

“Their energy is just amazing,” said Alisa Zevin, 20, of New Jersey. “They make the audience feel like part of the show.”

Midway into their 45-minute set, Jeff announced their next song, “Wouldn’t Change a Thing.” Amidst thundering opening riffs and pounding beats, the brothers sang with a refreshing earnestness that underscored the importance and weight of their art.

“Would you do it again if they gave you the chance?” they sang.

“I got no regrets because I like where I am…I wouldn’t change a thing.”