CSS - Left Behind
[Sub Pop]

It seems the problems of breakneck-speed fame, rogue management, money worries and second album jitters have taken their toll on the once proudly profanely-go-lucky broken English chaos of CSS.

The shrieking electronica, the bitchiest swipes since this side of Britpop and general car-crash noisemaking have all been abandoned for a more pensive, indie guitar-led sound which emanates unresolved frustrations and possibly even a loss of confidence.

Though this avenue may come across as more mature and gives Lovefoxx’s unswamped vocals a rare chance to take centre stage, there is no room for mediocrity right now-especially from a band responsible for raising the innovation bar to a formidable height.

It’s a head scratching time for indie dance floor inhabitants. Once assured by the opening bars of ‘Artbitch’ or ‘Alala’, ‘Left Behind’ will leave them suspended and confused, wondering what the hell happened to the CSS ethic.

Though this track isn’t without its merits, and CSS are making a brave and risky departure from the safety of their much-loved debut, you can’t help but hope their evacuation of the dance floor is as temporary as their stage outfits.