For a band whose full name translates to ‘I got tired of being sexy’, it’s really no surprise that CSS’s new offering continues along the same tongue-in-cheek, provocative trail they’ve been blazing for a decade now. Unfortunately though, some of the attitude that defined the Sao Paulo quartets earlier records and greatest hit to date, Music is My Hot Hot Sex, is sparing, perhaps due to the recent departure of Adriano Cinto.
Opener Honey starts promisingly enough and despite a flat pre-chorus, Lovefoxxx more than makes up for it when she sings “you can turn me on and I’ll never turn on you”, which is, lyrically speaking, quintessential CSS.
Hangover (co-written with Tim Armstrong of Rancid fame) is easily the standout; dance pop with M.I.A like lyrical stylings and some South of the border trumpet to boot makes it a pretty hard track to resist. The Hangout too is lively, reggae guitar and cheeky lyrics (even for CSS) making it a notable listen.
The problem is far too many of the tracks are so-so, due in most part to a lack of a discernable tune or uninspiring synth. Thankfully there’s some grit on Dynamite, where the band’s punk-rock influences are more apparent and fans of Lovefoxx’s work with Kavinksy on Nightcall (and who isn’t really?) will enjoy Sweet, though it’s closer to the aforementioned track mostly due to its production. Too Hot is an easy listen, albeit it one with possibly the most naff lyrics I’ve ever heard; for example, “burns like red hot chilli”. But all in all CSS’ patented sexualised lyrics are generally entertaining, if not borderline repetitive. If you’re of the latter mindset, closer Faith In Love will be a welcome change; it’s much more contemplative and serious than all that precede it, with a real discernible change in lyrics: “you give me something so beautiful/it makes me wanna run”, but that’s as serious as it gets really. Not much has changed here for CSS, another album full of crushes and lusting, with equal parts winning tracks and throwaways. Not even close to their best.
GARRATH WESTMORE
Best Track: Hangover
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: I Belong in Your Arms CHAIRLIFT, NEW YOUNG PONY CLUB
In A Word: Unremarkable
