L.A.’s premier multi-ethnic Cambodian-language psych-rock outfit,
Dengue Fever, find their groove in the first half of their sophomore
release, Escape from Dragon House. The basic formula of this unique
band – a propulsive mix of ‘60s-style garage-pop and punchy brass behind
the keening vocals of singer Chhom Nimol, who sings almost entirely in
Khmer – hasn’t been altered, but this definitely isn’t the same band who
caught audiences’ attention with their self-titled debut in 2003.
There’s a palpable confidence in their new material (which is almost 100%
their own compositions – a sharp contrast to the line-up on their debut,
which was all covers of classic Cambodian pop and rock tunes) – Chhom’s
vocals are more powerful and flexible (and she’s incorporating more
English), and the band pushes their performances into heavier territory,
from ass-shaking R&B on album openers “We Were Gonna” and “Sni Bong” to
darker-hued acid rock on the spectral “One Thousand Tears of a Tarantula,”
culminating in a fairly stunning combo of the two, plus healthy doses of
traditional Khmer songs and even acoustic folk, in the final four tracks,
especially the driving “Lake Dolores” and “Made in Steam.” This ping-ponging
between sonic styles might trip up another band as fresh as Dengue Fever,
but clearly, a ceaseless gigging schedule has developed their chops beyond
the interesting musical curiosity category, and pushed them to seek the
outer boundaries of their chosen music. That’s good news for them, but
better for us, so here’s hoping Dengue Fever’s escape takes them as far as
they want to go.
L.A.’s premier multi-ethnic Cambodian-language psych-rock outfit,
Dengue Fever, find their groove in the first half of their sophomore
release, Escape from Dragon House. The basic formula of this unique
band – a propulsive mix of ‘60s-style garage-pop and punchy brass behind
the keening vocals of singer Chhom Nimol, who sings almost entirely in
Khmer – hasn’t been altered, but this definitely isn’t the same band who
caught audiences’ attention with their self-titled debut in 2003.
There’s a palpable confidence in their new material (which is almost 100%
their own compositions – a sharp contrast to the line-up on their debut,
which was all covers of classic Cambodian pop and rock tunes) – Chhom’s
vocals are more powerful and flexible (and she’s incorporating more
English), and the band pushes their performances into heavier territory,
from ass-shaking R&B on album openers “We Were Gonna” and “Sni Bong” to
darker-hued acid rock on the spectral “One Thousand Tears of a Tarantula,”
culminating in a fairly stunning combo of the two, plus healthy doses of
traditional Khmer songs and even acoustic folk, in the final four tracks,
especially the driving “Lake Dolores” and “Made in Steam.” This ping-ponging
between sonic styles might trip up another band as fresh as Dengue Fever,
but clearly, a ceaseless gigging schedule has developed their chops beyond
the interesting musical curiosity category, and pushed them to seek the
outer boundaries of their chosen music. That’s good news for them, but
better for us, so here’s hoping Dengue Fever’s escape takes them as far as
they want to go.