Ex-Bigwig guitarist Jeremy and bassist Max start up a new band on vocals and drums, respectively. Their debut album of skate/pop punk is out now on Fearless Records.
So far every mention of this band that I've found, as well as casual chatter on the street, is that they sound like a cross between Bigwig and Midtown. Now usually when people make comments like this, what you actually get is a lesser version of both styles, badly mixed in a way that never quite feels right and doesn't capture the talent of either band. Not so with Near Miss. They have taken their musical style from Bigwig and grown as musicians to incorporate more melody and songwriting that rivals both bands they're always compared to.
The most noticeable advantage this band has is their great vocal melodies and harmonies. Jeremy, the lead vocalist, has a very clean and strong voice that is the first indication of the Midtown similarity. His frequent harmonies add a whole other level of talent to the mix; despite his relative inexperience he already has the talent to write and place harmonies as well as the big guys like No Use and Strung Out. (Although Jeremy does most of the background vocals on the record, those who are sticklers for an equally good live show will be pleased to hear that Max is also a talented singer and carries the vocals quite well even while drumming. Max also sings lead on one of my favorite songs from this record.)
The musicianship is top notch all around. Extremely tight guitar work (rhythm, bass, and some killer leads) and strong and interesting drumming (which reminds me of Travis from Blink 182, in a good way, at times).
The other thing I really like about this band is their smooth blend of fast, tough skate punk (This Bridge, Answers, The Gentle Art) and slower, poppy Drive-Thru Records style punk (Let Go, Everything and Everyone, October Tenth) as well as plenty that border both styles at the same time.
As the album's title suggests, a lot of the lyrics on this record have to do with failed relationships and friendships. It could be assumed (probably accurately) that at least a couple of these tunes are about their previous band problems but that's just my interpretation.
The production is also top notch, which is cool because although the recording rivals that of all the best bands in this style, it was actually recorded in a rented out storage space by a friend of the band on his computer. Believe me though, you'd never know it!
Overall I really enjoy this record a lot and the slight bits I don't like aren't even worth mentioning because as a whole it is a really solid record that any fan of melodic punk would probably enjoy, and it might even expand the tastes of the more closeminded bunch (including myself). It is also a very solid album, beginning to end, with no low points. It stays pretty high quality throughout which is more than I can say for some of even the best bands' latest releases. I expect this to be in my top 5 of the year.
A
Similar sounding releases
2004My Hotel YearThe Curse
2002LimitpointWe Call This Life
2003SelfmademanThe Daylight Robbery
2003Side Walk Slam...And We Drive
2000TwotimerSee What Happens From Here
2001RufioPerhaps, I Suppose...
