Reviews

CSS at the Ritz

CSS (pic: Mariana Juliano)

If you’re after something slightly less contrived and plastic then maybe you should listen to Anderson Sa, King of the Favelas.

Now, don’t get me wrong, there are many things about CSS I love. I love the fact that they’re a group dominated by women; I love the fact that they’re not inclined to be drab or dull; I love the fact that their passion and energy ever so nearly makes them an essential live act.

However, I’m also struck by how much this group seems like a marketing man’s dream, that all the songs are written or co-written by the man in the band (a songwriter/helper/guru not quite as mysterious at the ones employed by The Strokes or Kings of Leon) and that no matter how hard Lovefoxx tries she just hasn’t (yet) got the sparkle, charisma or stage presence of a Karen O or Björk.

I hate to be so cynical, but in these times of inorganic bands and artists who are pulled together by agents or meet at performing arts colleges, CSS don’t quite have the whiff of authenticity I really need. Maybe time will prove me wrong.