CSS

Has success made CSS more earnest? On their sophomore release, they edge away from the profane, idiosyncratic electropop that defined them -- no more songs entitled "CSS Suxx" -- and lean into charming rock-damaged pop that could make for a long-term career ... or career suicide. Songs with titles like "Give Up," "Left Behind" and "Move" have a much better chance of making it to radio, but they sound dangerously bland compared to, say, "Meeting Paris Hilton." The first single, "Rat Is Dead," stands out with its Pixie-ish drive, but for all the solid pop hooks, we miss the mean wit of their debut.

Four girls and a guy with backgrounds in film, fashion and graphic design, this São Paulo
quintet combine synth-driven rave-ups and driving post-punk for Brazilian dance music that
would sound at home in London or Manhattan. Their second album is long on exuberance
and short on pretension: "Jager Yoga" banks on a catchy shout-along chorus and stabbing
electroriffs, and throughout, CSS liven up their art pop with guitar spills and gritt... More >