In Pursuit Of Something Interesting: Last Import's "Songs For Adam"

Finding Minnesota music that is both underground and palatable seems to be more difficult than it should be. Thankfully, when I found myself at the Amsterdam Bar and Hall watching a Battle of The Bands hosted by Go Radio, Last Import was just launching into their set. The surf punk/indie rock trio was my personal favorite of the bands that played that night, so when I listened to their debut EP, Songs For Adam, I was happy to hear it how similar it is to the band's live show.

Last Import works hard to mix sweet with angsty on Songs For Adam. This sound sits front and center during the song "Money." It opens with a typical surf rock guitar riff and drum beat that builds into a rowdy tune punctuated by the final line of the chorus - "Whatcha gonna do without the money, honey?" There is a sneer in the tone of guitarist/vocalist Emily Bjorke and bassist/vocalist Grace Baldwin's voices that drives home the meaning behind the song. "Money" has probably the best moment of the EP. The band chooses to use the pre-chorus to lower the energy of the song. This brings an additional complexity to the track and gives the listener a short break. They sing harmonized "oh"'s before ramping up the energy and exploding into the chorus. It's only a slight change in the song's structure, but it is enough of a change to make the listener pay attention.

The rhythm section of Last Import is the thing that really pushes Songs For Adam the extra bit. Drummer Jane Halldorson adds punch to Bjorke's guitar riffs. Watching her play live, Halldorson punished her kit for the band's brief set. For bassists in the punk genre, it is easy to become another piece of percussion that can play notes. Grace Baldwin bridges the gap between being melodic and being percussive. Her bass playing functions much like the left hand of a piano player. She provides support and addition movement for the piece.

As a whole Songs For Adam is a solid debut for Last Import. It features a variety of tunes that displays the band's songwriting abilities. The fact that these songs sound better live is a testament to the bands ability. I cannot wait for new material from the band.