NearMiss - Testing the Ends of What They'll Put Up With

[Tony Pascarella]

NearMiss - Testing the Ends of What They'll Put Up With
Release Date: May 30, 2006
Record Label: Takeover Records

NearMiss’s debut Takeover release blends into the post-hardcore alphabet soup that sucks in the majority of their contemporaries. While it occasionally features some cool instrument arrangements, you will quickly grow to despise the vocals of Jeremy Hernandez. He tries so hard, but in a recorded environment, it just does not seem to translate all that well. Previously signed to Fearless Records (who released their 2002 full-length debut, The Gentle Art of Making Enemies), the band started as a quartet, but lost their guitarist, leaving Hernandez to shoulder double-duty.

“Now Rectify” features a stomping drum kick, but the vocals do nothing except get on your nerves. Add this to the fact that the lyrics on this track are nothing special, and Testing the Ends of What They’ll Put Up With becomes an exercise in futility. “Falling Out” is a bit catchy, although we have heard the guitar riffs about fifty times before. What gets the most annoying about this song is how lead vocalist Jeremy Hernandez has to draw out the endings of words. This is a habit that begins early in the album and by now makes you want to punch babies or whatever else you may do in your free time. NearMiss have written an album aimed the right way—at the aggressive pop-punk crowd so that it might appeal to hardcore fans, punk fans, and those who like the generic pop punk that permeates the shelves of your local FYE. Unfortunately, the music itself leaves a lot to be desired. “Take It Back” has an irritating habit of sounding exactly like a mash-up of random bands in the genre while putting just a hint of a new spin on it. Equal parts A Wilhelm Scream and The Starting Line, it might just be the best song on this album if you love those two bands. The album closer, “You’ve Mistaken,” is a song that is torturous to listen to. For as much hate as Hawthorne Heights gets, they can easily write a song better than this.

Needless to say, the final answer to Testing the Ends of What They’ll Put Up With is…not much. The lone standout is drummer Max Bechard, who brings the intensity for the entire band, but he alone cannot hold this CD together—despite his valiant effort. Spend your money elsewhere on releases that do not disappoint as much as this CD does. Takeover Records have dropped another flop of an album (see Bracket’s Requiem) that just does not hold water in such a fast-moving industry. I would advise you to pass on this thoroughly forgettable album.

Buy Testing the Ends of What They'll Put Up With on iTunes (http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=PjIvm57kicI&offerid=78941&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fphobos. apple.com%252FWebObjects%252FMZStor e.woa%252Fwa%252FviewAlbum%253Fi%25 3D185335532%2526id%253D185335504%25 26s%253D143441%2526partnerId%253D30 )

01. Serious Mess
02. Call For Help
03. Now Rectify
04. Falling Out
05. Take It Back
06. In A Daydream
07. Feel When You Find
08. Last Goodnight
09. The Choice
10. At One Place
11. We All Bleed
12. You've Mistaken

[shermanology]

Gentle Art was pretty good. I know the guy who almost became their new guitarist.

[JimmySkinny]

its kinda sad that bands like near miss get such horrible reviews and then releases like "the format - dog problems (or whatever its titled) get such high remarks when its horrible.

[llmp]

From their purevolume songs it sounds like they took the worst part of pop-punk (the vocals) and threw in some alright music. Which might have been the point of the review? Not much sleep...

[Mitch]

I don't like this album either.

[Roboman]

its kinda sad that bands like near miss get such horrible reviews and then releases like "the format - dog problems (or whatever its titled) get such high remarks when its horrible.

And then people like you never realize that reviews are opinions...hence highly subjective.

[Jason Tate]

its kinda sad that bands like near miss get such horrible reviews and then releases like "the format - dog problems (or whatever its titled) get such high remarks when its horrible.
Their first album was very good - I liked it alot, this one suffers from poor production the most. Same as the new Bigwig album ... neither stand up to their previous efforts.

And trying to comparing different bands, different genres, different styles, and different reviewers - is basically the dumbest thing I've seen someone try and do ...

[lezsolt]

Their first album was very good - I liked it alot, this one suffers from poor production the most. Same as the new Bigwig album ... neither stand up to their previous efforts.

And trying to comparing different bands, different genres, different styles, and different reviewers - is basically the dumbest thing I've seen someone try and do ...Well, the reviewer compared different bands, didn't he? (I can't see why it is a problem though.)

[brokenwings]

its kinda sad that bands like near miss get such horrible reviews and then releases like "the format - dog problems (or whatever its titled) get such high remarks when its horrible.
hahaha... i have to agree...

[Tony Pascarella]

From their purevolume songs it sounds like they took the worst part of pop-punk (the vocals) and threw in some alright music. Which might have been the point of the review? Not much sleep...Pretty much. It's not an album I would recommend people go buy unless they're into bands that ultimately sound the same as every other pop-punk meets post-hardcore band out there.

[Tony Pascarella]

Well, the reviewer compared different bands, didn't he? (I can't see why it is a problem though.)I think what Jason's getting at is the bands I compared in the review generally deal in similar styles of music. But NearMiss' post-hardcore sound (or however you want to describe it) is far from The Format's synth-driven, upbeat sound. And then he's also saying if you compared say...my review style with Drew's (for example), it's also unfair because the staff members all have a different way of judging albums. I use the given scale in the Help section of Write a Review, but I'm not afraid to give an album a 30 or 40 if I think it deserves it. I think I have proven that with my reviews this year so far.

People wanted more negative reviews--they've gotten them. People wanted better writers, and I believe our staff has been stepping up to the plate on that one as well. I am getting tired of people talking shit on the reviewers simply because they disagree, however. "Bad review" or "You suck" gets really old after a while, guys. It's petty and juvenile (and almost always from users with no avatar, no signature, and under 250 posts). There's a difference between being a total dick and having a music-based discussion about why the reviewer thought what he did. I understand that you can't please everyone, and I know there are times where my reviews do nothing other than express my opinion (which may fall into the minority on certain albums), but I think some of the readers should respect us a little more for the hard work we put into this site.

[Ryan Imhof]

Haha, Good review.

[backpocket]

its kinda sad that bands like near miss get such horrible reviews and then releases like "the format - dog problems (or whatever its titled) get such high remarks when its horrible.

Don't read a review if you don't want to hear people disagree with how you feel. At least be a little constructive and try to tell people why you think the Near Miss record is a good record.

[YourMusicSucks]

This review was flawless.

I havent agreed with anything this much since the moneen review.

[riotmute]

for what its worth, these guys are super fun to hang out with

[concernedparent]

Great review, I dig the negativity.

[inonthespilltak]

i havent listened to near miss so i have no idea how shitty the review was, but to say bracket's new album is a flop because it didnt sell many copies is completely fucking stupid you goddamn idiot.

[Tony Pascarella]

i havent listened to near miss so i have no idea how shitty the review was, but to say bracket's new album is a flop because it didnt sell many copies is completely fucking stupid you goddamn idiot.I actually said it's a flop because the production is atrocious and the music is average.

[llwin]

i don't think this cd is so bad, in fact i think many r gonna dig it. i sure do. but yeah, without doubt after their really
good debut and after 4 years i would have expected something better than this. i am a little disappointed to be
sincere but the cd isn't really so bad as pictured in the review it got on here.
so guys check it out. u might actually enjoy this band and this cd.

[inonthespilltak]

I actually said it's a flop because the production is atrocious and the music is average.


i guess that shows how much you know, douchebag.

[the_narrator]

i guess that shows how much you know, douchebag.AHAHAHAHAHAHA. You got banned for being a rude, immature poster. That's hilarious.


The review was well-written, Tony. I actually haven't heard it, and I'll check out the pv.com site. Nicely done, though.

[lassise]

i dont know i think its kinda catchy (listening to now rectify). o wait the hardcoreish part at the end sucks, eh its still catchy tho.

[BigBabyPring]

i remember when i let max smell my pig

[benjammin]

actually i read .your review again ....


you suck man ..jason is this guy your friend that you hired ? and do you really think he is giving readers and listeners a fair chance to discove new music ? punching babies? give this label and iits bands a freaking break .. we are in our 2nd year as a label and we cant keep up with the industry ? every tried releasing 7 records in a year ? y going to the warped this year ? come say hey @ the takeover/ militia group tent... lets pass out some flyers together and talk about the quality of bands these days and working hard to become something

[benjammin]

this review does not give this record justice



listen to the record if ya get a chance !


ahh i feel better now

sorry if i am rude tony.. ill keep readed your stuff

oh ya and fuck yellowcard..



i am not biased or anything : )

[Steve Henderson]

this review does not give this record justice



listen to the record if ya get a chance !


ahh i feel better now

sorry if i am rude tony.. ill keep readed your stuff

oh ya and fuck yellowcard..



i am not biased or anything : )
I think it goes without saying that people should still check out a record regardless of what a reviewer says. Regardless of what Tony thinks, I think it is poor to assume readers can't decide on their own as to whether or not they want to heed his advice.

[brokenwings]

actually i read .your review again ....


you suck man ..jason is this guy your friend that you hired ? and do you really think he is giving readers and listeners a fair chance to discove new music ? punching babies? give this label and iits bands a freaking break .. we are in our 2nd year as a label and we cant keep up with the industry ? every tried releasing 7 records in a year ? y going to the warped this year ? come say hey @ the takeover/ militia group tent... lets pass out some flyers together and talk about the quality of bands these days and working hard to become something

do u work for takeover man? strike.fire.fall is such an awesome band. good work

[Steve Henderson]

do u work for takeover man? strike.fire.fall is such an awesome band. good workHahaha...good guess (wink) ;)

[punkrawkgoddess]

actually i read .your review again ....


you suck man ..jason is this guy your friend that you hired ? and do you really think he is giving readers and listeners a fair chance to discove new music ? punching babies? give this label and iits bands a freaking break .. we are in our 2nd year as a label and we cant keep up with the industry ? every tried releasing 7 records in a year ? y going to the warped this year ? come say hey @ the takeover/ militia group tent... lets pass out some flyers together and talk about the quality of bands these days and working hard to become something

Oh Jammin...Love ya buddy. I have to agree though, the NearMiss record is actually pretty rad and we work really hard to put out killer new music...

[AShannon04]

"Now Rectify" kicks ass

[courtneyxo]

Well said, Jammin. I think the record is great. "Now Recitfy" one of the first songs I heard off of it and it left me wanting to hear more. The band and the label are cool in my book.

[DEELER]

This is why I never liked reviews, one person's opinion can sway people into not checking out a record that they might like. I barely ever read reviews unless its for a cd I already own but i was just curious to see what people thought of it. Go listen to some of the songs and then decide if its for you.

[Steve Henderson]

This is why I never liked reviews, one person's opinion can sway people into not checking out a record that they might like. I barely ever read reviews unless its for a cd I already own but i was just curious to see what people thought of it. Go listen to some of the songs and then decide if its for you.
I still do not understand why some people do not get this. A review is never meant to be "universal." All a review is supposed to portray is the unbiased opinion of someone who can express themselves well. What you should do is go around to a few sites, find a reviewer whose tastes align with yours, and then follow what they say.

For example, I rarely ever agree with Rolling Stone, so I do not put much stock in what they recommend. However, I have bought CDs solely based off what Rohan and Andrew at emotionalpunk have reviewed before.

[brokenwings]

Hahaha...good guess (wink) ;)

lol fuck... now i know who he is... ouch, that was kinda embarassing

[xLaurenLizx]

I've got to give NearMiss props on this one. I like this album, and I think people are really going to catch on. Also, you've got to give credit to Takeover Records. I think they're doing an amazing job, and they've done better than most record labels do when they've been around at least five times as long as Takeover.

A review is a review I suppose. But I've got to disagree with this one. My opinion is for every person out there to go pick up this album.

[KrazyKewl]

Again, well said Jammin.
And, I agree when it was said that most people won't check out an album after reading a bad review. I know a few people who have done just that, refused to check out a band after reading one shotty review. They don't take into fact that just because one person doesn't like the band's sound, that doesn't mean that the sound is horrible. In fact, take a listen to NearMiss if you have yet to do so, you'll see that they sound superb!
So yes, go take a listen to the band yourself.
And then have your say.

[Steve Henderson]

Again, well said Jammin.
And, I agree when it was said that most people won't check out an album after reading a bad review. I know a few people who have done just that, refused to check out a band after reading one shotty review. They don't take into fact that just because one person doesn't like the band's sound, that doesn't mean that the sound is horrible. In fact, take a listen to NearMiss if you have yet to do so, you'll see that they sound superb!
So yes, go take a listen to the band yourself.
And then have your say.Says the Takeover Records street teamer.

[xLaurenLizx]

Says the Takeover Records street teamer.

Being part of the Takeover Records Street Team just shows knowledge of good music.

[Steve Henderson]

Being part of the Takeover Records Street Team just shows knowledge of good music.Hey, I love Strike.Fire.Fall...I am just saying Tony was being unbiased so people need to stop giving him shit.

[ErikaHatesYou]

I personally accept the opinion of the review, though I disagree with him. I also think the review was a little harsh. I mean punching babies? who does that anymore? It is all about kicking toddlers now. Seriously, I am not a fan of their music but I like more of the songs on this album than I did their last. That is an upgrade in my opinion. I also think Takeover has done wonders for being such a young label. So, to go on bashing the label is an inappropraite appeal in trying to get across your point that you didn't like the album that NearMiss put out. Though I think the point was put across throughout the rest of the review. Just ending on that note was a low blow at a record label trying to put out music they like and they think a lot of other people will like. Bash the music, bash the bands, bash the albums, but don't bash the label. Just because they put out two albums you think are shit, doesn't mean they don't have a ton of other albums that aren't good. Strike.Fire.Fall is amazing. Hey Mike! enjoyable upbeat pop-punk with some 70's pop guitar chords and melodies. Maybe not your style but good for what it is. Leave the personal vendetta's at home.

And Ben I agree, Yellowcard does fucking suck.

[musiclife81]

I personally accept the opinion of the review, though I disagree with him. I also think the review was a little harsh. I mean punching babies? who does that anymore? It is all about kicking toddlers now. Seriously, I am not a fan of their music but I like more of the songs on this album than I did their last. That is an upgrade in my opinion. I also think Takeover has done wonders for being such a young label. So, to go on bashing the label is an inappropraite appeal in trying to get across your point that you didn't like the album that NearMiss put out. Though I think the point was put across throughout the rest of the review. Just ending on that note was a low blow at a record label trying to put out music they like and they think a lot of other people will like. Bash the music, bash the bands, bash the albums, but don't bash the label. Just because they put out two albums you think are shit, doesn't mean they don't have a ton of other albums that aren't good. Strike.Fire.Fall is amazing. Hey Mike! enjoyable upbeat pop-punk with some 70's pop guitar chords and melodies. Maybe not your style but good for what it is. Leave the personal vendetta's at home.

And Ben I agree, Yellowcard does fucking suck.


Very well said, although i do LOVE the new album. Previous posts defends the reviewer, saying reviews are "unbiased" opinions. But when you bash a LABEL in the review, that shows some serious biases to me. And for the takeover street teamers, when they get on here and defend a label that they devote their free time to, it only shows how dedicated and loyal they are to Takeover bands. Takeover works hard to put out great music, and they love their street teamers.

[Nessa]

oh ya and fuck yellowcard..


^ That is why I love this boy and his label



The review is why I absolutely hate this website. it seems to me that you guys never have ANYTHING good to say about music unless it sucks.. then you people happen to think it blows every album every recorded out of the water.

You reviewed the music for 2 paragraphs. bashed takeover in 1, and not to mention every other chance given you slid something in to spit on Takeover.

It's a MUSIC review not a LABEL review.

[Steve Henderson]

^ That is why I love this boy and his label



The review is why I absolutely hate this website. it seems to me that you guys never have ANYTHING good to say about music unless it sucks.. then you people happen to think it blows every album every recorded out of the water.

You reviewed the music for 2 paragraphs. bashed takeover in 1, and not to mention every other chance given you slid something in to spit on Takeover.

It's a MUSIC review not a LABEL review.
Okay, this is starting to piss me off, and I didn't even write this. Tony said this, and this only about Takeover:

"Takeover Records have dropped another flop of an album (see Bracket’s Requiem) that just does not hold water in such a fast-moving industry."

Very simple...he thinks the last two albums they have released are no good. I hardly think that is a label BASH any more than it is an assertion of opinion. If you fucking fanboys think it is so great, go submit a review of your own and show us how it is done. Maybe then you can move on to commentary on bands/labels you aren't street-teaming for.

[Tony Pascarella]

Okay, this is starting to piss me off, and I didn't even write this. Tony said this, and this only about Takeover:

"Takeover Records have dropped another flop of an album (see Bracket’s Requiem) that just does not hold water in such a fast-moving industry."

Very simple...he thinks the last two albums they have released are no good. I hardly think that is a label BASH any more than it is an assertion of opinion. If you fucking fanboys think it is so great, go submit a review of your own and show us how it is done. Maybe then you can move on to commentary on bands/labels you aren't street-teaming for.Thanks, Steve.

Okay, let me lay this out for the people that are completely misinterpreting what I said in my review. I don't care for the latest NearMiss album because it comes off as overly generic (although the drumming is extremely promising). My comment about Takeover (as quoted above) says the label has dropped two subpar albums (NearMiss and Bracket) in my opinion lately. I enjoyed Paperface (RIP), originally didn't like Strike Fire Fall, but that album really grew on me, and am looking forward to HeyMike!'s album. If you read my Yellowcard review, I have all the respect in the world for Ben Harper musically, creatively, and as a person (and his absence on the band's latest album had a lot to do with it going to shit). Takeover is a promising independent label that I look forward to seeing good things from in the future. My only gripe in the review is with the generic sound to NM's album and how Bracket's album ran together and really didn't excite me like a good punk album should.

[ErikaHatesYou]

So using the word bash was a little severe and I probably should have chosen a different word. Though you should probably go back to school and learn your fallacies, because calling us names is one of them. I'm not saying that his review was bad, I was saying I don't agree. I still think it is harsh to go after a label. By putting that line at the end it sends the message that you don't like the label. Whether it is intentional or not leaving that point until the end puts the focus on the label. The fact that the only two CD's to be released this year have both been given bad reviews. The label was supplying a demand. People wanted a nearmiss CD and they supplied it. It is basic ecinomics, whether you like the album or not. As for writing reviews. I don't have time for that, I am busy with summer classes, photography, running a production company, and work. I believe in leaving the labels name out of reviews unless you are saying the the bands name, CD and the label they are on, otherwise it is superfluous and leans toward either favoring the label, or putting the label down in some way. Rarely does mentioning the label more than the one necessary time involve being neutral towards the label.

[ErikaHatesYou]

I tried to leave a comment saying that using the word bash was a little severe and should have used a different term. I also said calling those sticking up for the label fanboys, when obviously we are all girls is a fallacy and should not be used. Other than that I stand by what I said before, and I have no clue what happened to the comment I tried to leave, because it explained everything I was trying to say better.

[Tony Pascarella]

So using the word bash was a little severe and I probably should have chosen a different word. Though you should probably go back to school and learn your fallacies, because calling us names is one of them. I'm not saying that his review was bad, I was saying I don't agree. I still think it is harsh to go after a label. By putting that line at the end it sends the message that you don't like the label. Whether it is intentional or not leaving that point until the end puts the focus on the label. The fact that the only two CD's to be released this year have both been given bad reviews. The label was supplying a demand. People wanted a nearmiss CD and they supplied it. It is basic ecinomics, whether you like the album or not. As for writing reviews. I don't have time for that, I am busy with summer classes, photography, running a production company, and work. I believe in leaving the labels name out of reviews unless you are saying the the bands name, CD and the label they are on, otherwise it is superfluous and leans toward either favoring the label, or putting the label down in some way. Rarely does mentioning the label more than the one necessary time involve being neutral towards the label.1. I did not write the Bracket review for AP.net, and neither did Steve.
2. Why are you trying to poorly lecture me on economics? It's irrelevant. I didn't say "Takeover should never have put this CD out." I just wish the CD was more enjoyable (IN MY OPINION).
3. While you believe in leaving any comments regarding labels out of reviews, I respectfully and wholeheartedly disagree. If I were reviewing a band on Drive-Thru back when they had release after release of purely awesome CDs, I think I'd be a poor reviewer by neglecting to mention that somewhere in my review--and the same applies here. Reviewing is all opinion anyway, and I already explained my opinion of Takeover in my above comment. I'm not going to repeat it.

[ErikaHatesYou]

I was looking for this comment, because I was going to change it after reading about takeover. And yes reviews are pure opinion and I respect that. I wasn't trying to be nasty though I do believe I may have come off that way. I was just merely stating my opinion. So I apologizer if I sounded rude in anyway. That was not my intention at all.

[Tony Pascarella]

I was looking for this comment, because I was going to change it after reading about takeover. And yes reviews are pure opinion and I respect that. I wasn't trying to be nasty though I do believe I may have come off that way. I was just merely stating my opinion. So I apologizer if I sounded rude in anyway. That was not my intention at all.Fair enough, and thank you.

I put a lot of work into the reviewing I do here. When I started here, people bitched and bitched about a lack of negative reviews. Our staff has made sure we cover both ends of the spectrum when we write reviews now. However, now when we write reviews that are negative (or even in some cases when we don't give an album an obscenely high score), people send the hounds after us. I've noticed it happens a lot in particular to me--some of that I take responsibility for by doing a number of negative reviews, but it's not like my reviews say, "The album's a piece of shit. Here's a 57%." In some ways, my reviews are like children. They transform from my mind onto paper, and I feel a need to defend them.

Maybe that will give everyone a little more insight into why I can sometimes be a little short with people who go, "You suck. Your review sucks. Go [insert action here]."

[ErikaHatesYou]

Fair enough, and thank you.

I put a lot of work into the reviewing I do here. When I started here, people bitched and bitched about a lack of negative reviews. Our staff has made sure we cover both ends of the spectrum when we write reviews now. However, now when we write reviews that are negative (or even in some cases when we don't give an album an obscenely high score), people send the hounds after us. I've noticed it happens a lot in particular to me--some of that I take responsibility for by doing a number of negative reviews, but it's not like my reviews say, "The album's a piece of shit. Here's a 57%." In some ways, my reviews are like children. They transform from my mind onto paper, and I feel a need to defend them.

Maybe that will give everyone a little more insight into why I can sometimes be a little short with people who go, "You suck. Your review sucks. Go [insert action here]."

you're welcome

I understand, I have to put a lot of work into my art, my papers, and my photography. So when people bash it I feel the need to defend as well. I never try and go about bashing people, nor do I try to bash the reviews. I just state my disagreements with it. If ever it comes off as me bashing a review or reviewer I apologize now and I will apologize then, becuase that is never my intention ever! I respect the fact that you are willing to speak your mind, and at least you try to explain why you gave the album such a low score.

[Scott Weber]

This argument is pointless. This is a completely fair and well-done review, as are all of Tony's reviews. His work is always very professional and this is no exception.

I am sorry to all who disagree, but a review is a review and I completely agree with this one. This argument has been done a thousand times and it always ends up the same way. I'd rather listen to the latest record from Ryan's Hope than this, who does songs like "Now Rectify" with more energy and drive. The vocals drive me nuts as well. Then again, a review is just somebody's opinion - and it's our job as reviewers at AP to express it.

[Drew Beringer]

nice review Tony.

[KrazyKewl]

I'm sorry if my post was misunderstood.
I wasn't bashing the reviewer for their opinion, or the review.
I was simply agreeing with what a previous poster (coincendentaly, Ben Harped) had said about most people not giving music a far chance after reading a review.

[AWilhelmPetter]

i think this album got to much shit. it's not amazing, but i think this review makes it sound like it sucks way more than it does. it's way less better than the gentle arts, but there are a few cool tracks on here and you've misstaken is a pretty cool song. the vocals might have been better if they were sung by someone else and the lyrics ain't good, but the song sounds pretty sweet even tho the lyrics sucks.