M80; January 2008
Los Angeles-based Cambodian psychedelic pop rockers Dengue Fever continue their sound exploration/cultural mash-up on their third CD, Venus on Earth. Fronted by gorgeously cadenced Cambodian chanteuse Chhom Nimol, and backed by brothers Zac and Ethan Holtzman, Dengue Fever manage to fluidly blend aspects of the genre known as Khmer rock – all the rage in late-’60s/early-’70s Cambodia – with elements of funk, surf-rock, and tinges of Euro-spaghetti western/ Yé-yé Françoise Hardy-isms. The result is a tasty mélange of Khmer and English language songs that invigorate the body while soothing the soul. “Tiger Phone Card,” an English-language duet between Chhom and Zac, chronicles the wistful longing of a long-distance, cross-cultural relationship, while “Seeing Hands” mixes Bollywood and funkadelic influences with Chhom’s delicious vocals. On the whole, Venus on Earth is a listening pleasure.
Related Links
Double-clicking on any word or phrase in this story will open a reference window with definitions and links to other reference material.

Print friendly
E-mail story
Tip Us Off
iPod friendly
Comments
Bookmark This
Previous Month


Comments
Discussion Guidelines
Post a comment