CSS - Donkey

Donkey (2008, Sub Pop) CSS's second studio album. ***

Another addition in the long line of indie-electronica bands, CSS has potential, more potential, than several of their contemporaries. Lovefoxx (the alter ego the lead singer goes by) has a very sexy voice, and she flexes it from time to time. It rings well on "Reggae All Night," an unorthodox dance number as well as on "Move," which sounds like a lost 80's track in the vein of Animotion. That being said, it's clear that CSS functions best when emulating the synthesizer usage and dance tricks of the 80's. Anything else renders Lovefoxx's vocals emotionally inert. It's when CSS forces you onto the dance floor when everything moves together, and beyond that, it's a truly hit-and-miss engagement. (Reggae All Night, Move)