Vocals make The Imports exportable

The Imports
Rhythm and Madness

My overall impression of Rhythm and Madness by The Imports was mostly positive. The album is instrumentally well done with good energy, interesting lyrics, and the tracks were diverse enough to keep the listening fresh. My only disagreement with the album was that the vocals did not contain a lot of melody - however, the singing is fairly strong in its own unique style.

To me, the vocals sounded something like a cross between the Chili Peppers and typical punk, which is not a bad thing except on occasion they border on being overly verbose. The Imports may find more commercial success in the future if they break the lyrics up a little to allow for some instrumental interludes and phrasing. Judging by the quality of the playing on the album, and from tracks like “Intro” The Imports are more than capable of doing this if they so desire.

I also found a few of the songs might have benefited from more rhythmic changes, as they along with the vocals stagnated on occasion. It might be that some people prefer this style, and I can say at least I always enjoyed the lyrical content and guitar/keyboard playing underneath.

Giving a rating from one to five stars is difficult in that the grade you assign is dependent on what your frame of reference is. Comparing this album to the albums of bands MuchMusic plays intermittently between their reality T.V shows I'd give this album three stars, as The Imports are already better than most of them.

The Imports will be playing in London on October 14 at Grooves 12:30 p.m. and again at The Embassy at 8 p.m.