Cansei De Ser Sexy would have to be in the running for best band name ever, really. Naming themselves after a 2003 Beyoncé quote, in which she reportedly stated that she “Got tired of being sexy”. This tongue in cheek approach to naming their band speaks volumes about what a punter should expect from a CSS album, or particularly their live show.

Melbourne was lucky enough to score one of only two sideshows the band were playing for the Big Day Out tour in 2011. Having seen them back in 2008 at The Prince for the V Festival, I was very keen to see how their live show had progressed since then.

We arrived at the Corner Hotel band room, to catch some of the new wave-inspired sounds of Romy and band (formerly of Marcomatics fame). At this point the crowd was still building, but those watching were bopping about, and appreciatively tapping their feet to the poppy tunes. Romy provided the audience with some rather obscure stage-banter, giving props to Natalie Portman’s recent movie Black Swan and asking the audience on tips for getting a good night’s rest. Following Romy were Grouse DJs, dropping tracks by artists such as Common and Kanye. They appropriately kept the tone quite light and breezy for the main act.

The deep, red curtains drew open around 11pm, to rapturous applause. The stage was set up with quite the summery vibe. A yellow banner with the words ‘Island Party’, stretched out across the drum kit. Lovefoxx came out in short-shorts and a midriff-bearing white tee with ‘Spoon’ hand-written across the front (nice taste in music m’lady). CSS wasted no time in getting down to business, opening with a high-energy performance of Jager Yoga, the first track from 2008’s Donkey.

The set-list was comprised of an even mix of songs from 2006’s self-titled Cansei De Ser Sexy, and 2008’s Donkey. Performing such favourites as Let’s make Love…, Movin, and Off The Hook. During their performance of Alcohol, Lovefoxx jumped down into the crowd, and queried members of the audience, as to what was their favourite alcoholic beverage. While this was happening, a giant inflatable mug of beer suddenly appeared on stage. Bassist Adriano and guitarist Carolina Parra seemed to be having a great time fun bumping it about with their bums, and were having a good laugh about it.

CSS closed out the set proper with Reggae All Night. Biggest crowd reaction was saved for Luiza Sa, who’s main duty during that track was to hit the cowbell at the appropriate moment. But hey, she did it so well! After that CSS left the stage in such a flash, one just knew they would be back just as quick, and surely enough a moment later they were. Lovefoxx announced to the crowd that I Wanna Be You J-Lo, then proceeded to play the early non-album track of the same name.

Finally they closed out the night with crowd favourite Al-La-La. Lovefoxx threw herself off the stage into the appreciative crowd, whilst back on stage Adriano and Carolina were jumping about, play fighting and laughing. Looking around the room, most people seemed to be mirroring their foolish grins. This is why CSS beg to be seen in a live setting. They have a genuine sense of fun, and adore their fans. Best Island Party ever.