Horrible, fatal diseases can be fun. And not just for the horribleness and fatality. Case in point: the band Dengue Fever.
Based out of L.A., Dengue Fever is fronted by Cambodian karaoke legend Chhom Nimol, who was recruited by brothers Ethan and Zac Holtzman. She sings most of their original music in
Dengue Fever is spread by mosquitoes and social media.
Khmer, evoking the feel of Cambodia's surprisingly awesome 70's rock scene. To the degree that this era has seeped into American music conscience, Dengue Fever is responsible. A documentary about their critically acclaimed tour through Cambodia, Sleepwalking Through the Mekong, played a role in that, as well as their compilation of popular Cambodian artists Dengue Fever Presents: Electric Cambodia.
Not every song on their 7 albums works, especially when Zac takes a more central role. They're at their best when the songs cleave more closely to the heyday of Cambodian rock, though oddly enough 2 of my 3 favorite songs are in English.
If you've never listened to them or heard Carter-era Indochina rock&roll, you owe yourself a listen, if only to see what it's all about.
First, one sung in English.
And one in Khmer
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