ACL Fest: CSS Sweatin' in Spandex

Photo by Patrick Dentler

Anyone entering the park through the Town Lake gate between 3:30 and 4:30 found themselves fighting an immovable force, the hordes gathered to see Brazil's dance-rock troupe CSS (Cansei de Ser Sexy). The crowd was in an uproar bouncing around with their hands held high as they followed four guitars strumming and shrieking, electronic blips and cosmic noise, and some hooky choruses. The group powered through a set full of songs about loud music, getting your dance on and, of course, freakin' all while the lead singer, Lovefoxxx, took full advantage of the space on the stage in flowery spandex body suit and impressive pompadour. While Lovefoxxx rolled on the floor and hyped up the crowd during "Music is My Hot, Hot Sex" while the guitars chimed and rang like a dinner bell inviting all to fill their bellies with an infectious chorus that's easily followed and an electric beat. They also played "Let's Reggae All Night," which included some crafty keytar licks. At set's end, a crowd of onlookers ran on stage behind the band to help ring in the good cheer before Lovefoxxx closed out the show by proclaiming, "This was our biggest show in America, and it's the last show of our tour!" Then, someone shouted "Vote for Obama!" into the mic. --William Mills