This outfit, named after planetary buzzing, is led by Annette Strean’s vocals and backed by the instrumental prowess of Kip Kubin and Tony Miracle. The Colors in the Wheel is highly indebted to ‘80s alternative dance-pop; in particular, The Eurythmics, one of that era’s iconic duos, comes to mind during “Yes and No� when Strean emphatically states, “My ‘no’ means no, and my ‘yes’ means yes.� Venus Hum is by no means strictly retro. as these three musicians paint their ‘80s wagon with psychedelic, backwards guitars on “Pink Champagne,� and add foreboding feedback to the otherwise straightforward ballad, “Turn Me Around.� It’s a lot of ‘80s, plus a little bit of everything else. There are hearty attempts to stick to form, but in nearly every instance, Venus Hum incorporates variations on its basic themes. “Go to Sleep� shows every indication, both in music and words, of being an uncomplicated lullaby. But then it suddenly goes and speeds up toward the end. “72 Degrees� works a keyboard bass part similar to Lakeside’s “Fantastic Voyage� into its mix, but never gives into that hit’s funky musical abandon. This release is like an exotic dinner, with a few familiar flavors added in just to keep your attention.
Dan MacIntosh
Release date: July 25, 2006
