CD of The Week

CSS have delivered yet another album full of club-driven quirkiness and dance-pop fun with La Liberación. You’ll definitely hear less of a punk edge and experience more of a teenage pop fantasy world in this one. But, as usual, their songs are so damn catchy and their music has so many layers - so if you're not feeling a particular part of the song, a listen all the way through will surely grab you enough to give it a second go…and a third, and then you’ll be ready for the dance floor.

This band is not afraid to shake things up. They’ll get you moving on head-shaking songs like “Rhythm to the Rebels” and “Fuck Everything.” Sex oozes from songs like “Red Alert” with its incredibly catchy and soft vocals by Lovefoxxx. I love the suggestive piano notes that come and go throughout. There are plenty of offbeat layers that aren’t quite in unison, so they stand out on their own and are easily heard. It's very pop, but not predictable and not mindless. Much of the album sounds very intentional and heartfelt. The title track, sung in Spanish, was inspired by drummer/writer/producer <strong>Adriano Cintra</strong>’s love for an Argentina punk band. It’s definitely one of my favorites.

I particularly love the piano in “You Could Have it All” and “Partners in Crime.” They really have a great way of timing each part of their songs to keep things interesting throughout. Even though they have a distinctive sound, each song has something of its own - something unique to that song, whether it's a strong hook, or particular instrumental arrangement that sticks out or emphasizes the lyrics and the feel of the song itself. Other favorites are album single “Hits Me Like a Rock,” bass-driven “Ruby Eyes,” “You Could Have it All,” and well, the whole album, basically. Just get it and have fun!

You can go crazy on the dance floor with CSS at Union Transferon October 21st.