RIYL: Ros Sereysothea, Pan Ron & other Khmer Rock artists, Deerhoof, Yoko Ono
It’s difficult to explain why female singers from South Asia are so consistently alluring. Is it the exotic phrasing? The pixie-like pitch? Something more primeval? These sorts of questions would probably be better answered by Ethan and Zac Holtzman, the two brothers that founded the Cambodian rock/Cali-pop band Dengue Fever.
After returning from a trip there in 2001, Ethan developed a totally understandable obsession with Cambodian folk and rock music, or “Khmer Rock”. The pair started jamming with some fellow musicians and soon met lead singer Chhom Nimol at a nightclub in LA’s Little Phnom Penh (think China Town but much smaller).
A slew of critically acclaimed albums followed, with early efforts relying heavily on covers of famous Cambodian tunes sung in the national language of Khmer. As Nimols’ English skills improved, the band began writing more original material, and on the recently released Cannibal Courtship LP they show off their considerable range with songs sung in both English, Khmer and a mixture of the two.
The album starts strong with the title track “Cannibal Courtship”, a sensuous pop-rock brooder that moves confidently between winsome verses and a psychedelic rock chorus full of distorted guitar and soaring synth riffs. Nimol sounds downright scintillating as she half sings, half howls the lines “You/ you wouldn’t understand/ I’m famished for a man/ Be my sacrificial laaaamb.”
“Mr. Bubbles” is another excellent track that allows the band to show off their impressive SoCal surf-pop songwriting chops and on “Cement Slippers” and “Only a Friend“ Zac shares the vocal duties with Nimol for a nice change of pace.
Still, there’s no question that Nimol is the main attraction here. As she continues to mature as a singer and lyricist, Dengue Fever should have no problem widening their already solid fan base and building on their trailblazing sound. Curious yet? Then check out www.denguefevermusic.com and prepare to be smitten.
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Related Articles:
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Dengue Fever Has Reached New York City – Video Interview
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For More Information Visit:
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http://www.denguefevermusic.com
http://www.itsalivemedia.com
http://www.concordmusicgroup.com
http://www.theagencygroup.com
http://www.primary.uk.com
http://www.anniereedmusic.com
http://www.lipservices.com
