Venus On Earth

iTunes Review

It may have been Zac and Ethan Holtzman’s dream to recreate the vibe of the ‘60s Cambodian pop music they once accidentally uncovered, but it’s Cambodian émigré Chhom Nimol who provides the authenticity and exotic vibe to this mix of American garage rock and old-styled Cambodian pop. For album number three, Nimol sings in both Khmer and English, providing a newfound accessibility that allows Zac Holtzman the chance to duet on the playful tug of war of “Tiger Phone Card,” where they recount the trials of a long-distance relationship. Elsewhere, the group evoke the aura of spy flicks and soundtrack music designed to show off the brilliant features of yesterday’s ‘hi-fi.’ This deliberate ‘retro’ attempt gives the entire endeavor a striking “time travel” quality. Their sense of humor is laced in the wacky Farfisa organ riffs that sound even odder in context with the Asian modalities, while the narrative of “Sober Driver” is unconventionally funny, as the night’s designated straight man uses a perfect deadpan to convey his mirthless fate.