CSS ‎– La Liberación CD

CSS’s attempt at stretching their sound deserves some praise, but their success is limited. An unsuspecting venture into jaunty reggae, Hits Me Like a Rock – an unlikely duet with Bobby Gillespie – is a summery treat, all nimble and light. Echo of Love sounds like XTC doing the conga, while the title-track’s flighty two minutes sit in welcome contrast to its heft – "La Liberación" translates as "the women’s liberation movement". On a less positive note, Partners in Crime sounds messy, and the effortless grunge of Rhythm to the Rebels fails to engage.

The experimentation here feels too concerned with that popular idiom of creating something for everyone, and the album as a whole suffers for its restlessness. La Liberación is so fixated on exhibiting its sense of fun that it forgets how to finish ideas in the process. And despite the vigour and intensity that CSS have aimed for, it’s hard to see their dancey bungle coming anywhere close to the efforts of Sleigh Bells, Marina Gasolina and New Young Pony Club.

Label: V2

Country: UK

Media Condition: Near Mint (NM or M-)
Sleeve Condition: Near Mint (NM or M-)