Donkey
CSS
2008
Rankings
Why This Album Matters
Donkey, the second album by the Brazilian band Cansei de Ser Sexy (CSS), released in 2008, marks a crucial moment in the group's trajectory, presenting a more polished and matured sound compared to their acclaimed debut work. Moving somewhat away from the lo-fi aesthetic and unpretentious electro-punk that catapulted them to global fame, this record explores a more balanced fusion of indie rock and synth-pop. The album represents the band's attempt to refine their musical approach, seeking a sonic sophistication that, for many, aimed to consolidate CSS as a more serious force in the international alternative rock scene. With compositions that move between more prominent guitar riffs and elaborate synthesisers, Donkey is a work that challenges expectations and reveals a more introspective and, at times, experimental side of the São Paulo collective.
Context
Before the release of Donkey, CSS had already gained international recognition with the success of their eponymous debut album and, in particular, with the song "Music Is My Hot, Hot Sex", which was featured prominently in an iPod commercial. This global exposure led the band to an exhaustive touring schedule, transforming them from 'indie upstarts' into internet and alternative scene phenomena. Three months before the album's arrival, bassist Iracema Trevisan left the band, citing a desire to dedicate herself to her studies. Her departure resulted in an internal restructuring: Adriano Cintra, who had previously been the drummer, took over on bass, and the Englishman Jon Harper, formerly of The Cooper Temple Clause, joined the group as the new drummer. This line-up change coincided with a phase of growth and experimentation for CSS.
Recording
The album Donkey was recorded at the renowned Trama record label studio in São Paulo, Brazil. Production was handled by Adriano Cintra, one of the band's founding members, which ensured a cohesive vision aligned with the group's identity. For mixing, CSS enlisted the talent of Mark "Spike" Stent, an audio engineer renowned for his work with artists such as Björk and Madonna. The choice of Stent highlighted the band's intention to achieve a cleaner and more 'polished' sound production compared to the DIY rawness of their previous record, a point noted and debated in the album's critical analyses.
Songs
Donkey features eleven tracks on its standard edition, with compositions predominantly credited to Adriano Cintra, often in collaboration with Lovefoxxx and Luiza Sá. The first single, "Rat Is Dead (Rage)", released for download on 28 April 2008, stands out for its intense guitar riffs, reminiscent of the Pixies' style, and a darker narrative about revenge and domestic abuse, marking a departure from the light-hearted lyrics of the previous album. Other notable tracks include "Left Behind" and "Move", which were released as subsequent singles. "Move" was praised for its 80s-inspired sound, with synthesisers and percussive guitars. Songs such as "Jager Yoga" and "Let's Reggae All Night" are also examples of the album's new direction, which seeks a balance between late 80s and early 90s 'college' indie rock and a more elegant synthetic pop.
Legacy
Donkey received a mixed reception from specialised critics. On Metacritic, which aggregates reviews, the album achieved a score of 63/100, indicating "generally favourable reviews". Many critics noted a more 'polished' and 'sophisticated' sound compared to the debut, which generated divided opinions: some appreciated the maturity, while others missed the raw energy and amateur charm that defined the band's previous work. Commercially, the single "Left Behind" reached the 78th position on the UK singles chart. Although it did not repeat the resounding impact of "Music Is My Hot, Hot Sex", Donkey was seen by some as an effort to 'legitimise' CSS in the world rock scene, even if this implied risks of alienating long-standing fans who preferred the 'sonic schizophrenia' of their early works. The band, however, continued to tour worldwide, consolidating their presence and expanding their listener base.
Analyses
Discogs
Donkey – Discogs
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