CSS made a strong impression on the international music scene by embracing a snarky and hipper-than-thou attitude that legions of music lovers lapped up eagerly. Songs that referenced Paris Hilton, Jennifer Lopez, and Death From Above became dance floor favorites with sleek bass lines and self-referential, pop culture-laden lyrics. It comes as a surprise then, while listening to the group’s latest effort, Donkey, to hear a collection of songs less eager to please and more set upon musicianship.
Donkey is no Cansei de Ser Sexy, and in most instances, that is a good thing. Lead single “Rat is Dead (Rage),” is a louder and more aggressive song than earlier singles “Let’s Make Love and Listen to Death From Above,” or “Music is My Hot Hot Sex.” The story of a woman who killed an abusive lover, the song works well within the group’s signature blend of clever lyrics and catchy choruses. “Give Up,” a frantic sing-along, is an addictive call to reenergize a relationship gone flat. Other strong material include “Left Behind,” an upbeat breakup song that embraces the heavier synths of electronic acts like Justice and Muscles, who emerged during the group’s hiatus. As well, “Move,” unquestionably the catchiest effort among the album’s numerous songs bemoaning complicated make-ups and break-ups, sounds straight out of the ‘80s. It’s so infectious, it almost makes one forget the fact that the record is also clogged with incomplete filler material.
“Beautiful Song,” is, unfortunately, the opposite of what it purports itself to be, as guitarist Adriano Cintra’s promising guitar riffs are drowned by lead singer Lovefoxxx’s sophomoric lyrics. “I Fly,” a song about turning into a fly, only makes sense in regards to its belligerent synths and guitars which sometimes sneak through on the record (such as in bizarre opener “Jager Yoda”). Overall, however, the group delivers a record indicative of their growth and seems to signal a transitional period from ironic new kids on the block to engaging musicians.
-Britt Julious
CSS: www.csshurts.com
Sub Pop: www.subpop.com