The intriguingly-titled band CSS have joined the ranks of the neo-pop-punk-electro-disco wave that is currently hitting us from all sides. The style of the album itself skirts all of these genres and subgenres, with a special CSS twist. They remind me of Brassy in this regard, especially with the catchy, cute and off-beat lyrics that raise them above nominal shit and into that special stratosphere of pop music. I want to say “pop music with substance”, but even I can’t decipher the CSS logic present on tracks like Jager Yoga and Let’s Reggae All Night (eg. “If you are my friend you can sharpen my things with your teeth.” F’real? That’s what friends are for these days?).

Random (but cool) lyrics aside, it’s the simple and effective production that makes Donkey a short and likable head-bopping ride. Clocking in at just under 40 minutes, it’s not the most challenging listen, and it doesn’t try to be anything it’s not. There’s a nice lack of pretence here as CSS members Adriano Cintra, Ana Rezende dos Anjos, Carolina Parra, Luiza Sa and Lovefoxxx produce what I can only describe as a modern-day version of a Ramones album. Sure, as one of my mates told me in my car once as I relentlessly and endlessly pumped a Ramones Best Of in his ears: “it’s kinda repetitive”. I know as soon as this criticism is made of any genre of music, it’s a very piss poor effort on behalf of the listener to actually give it a fair go. Among the similar-sounding riffs and beats, there is enough of an individual personality on each song to keep you (or in this case, me) interested.

Among the most lyrically disjunctive numbers, there are straight-up pop tunes like Left Behind that will no doubt somehow make its way into advertisements, as well as Beautiful Song which sounds like a new take on Billy Joel’s We Didn’t Start the Fire. Perhaps the funkiest cut on Donkey is the infectious Move, a snappy dance floor throwback with the universal mantra of Get Up and Move, while Believe Achieve features the catchiest lyrics on the album, but simultaneously the worst choruses (repeating “believe, achieve” over and over again).

All of these influences combine to join the main structure of each track, which carries a strong pop-rock/funk/disco vibe throughout all 11 of the songs. Complete with cover art and quirky photography by the band members, Donkey is at the same time both old and familiar, as well as new and unique. In short, a wonderful party record pastiche of past and present with fun results for your ears.