2003 debut on the Mimicry label is multicultural pop featuring the vocals of Cambodian emigre Chhom Nimol (all the vocals are sung in Khmer). Retro surf guitar, the throwback psychedelic tone of the Farfisa organ, rhyth... more »ms on songs like 'Pow Pow' that conjure visions of James Bond dancing the Swim in a Hong Kong nightclub, as well as the absence of any post-punk or disco residue, create a sense of time displacement. This music could just as easily have been heard decades ago, long before American demographics had absorbed Asian pop influences. 12 tracks.« less
2003 debut on the Mimicry label is multicultural pop featuring the vocals of Cambodian emigre Chhom Nimol (all the vocals are sung in Khmer). Retro surf guitar, the throwback psychedelic tone of the Farfisa organ, rhythms on songs like 'Pow Pow' that conjure visions of James Bond dancing the Swim in a Hong Kong nightclub, as well as the absence of any post-punk or disco residue, create a sense of time displacement. This music could just as easily have been heard decades ago, long before American demographics had absorbed Asian pop influences. 12 tracks.
CD Reviews
Brilliant
soulcargo | Bowie, MD United States | 07/29/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's amazing that the late Cambodian superstars Sin Sisamouth & Ruos Srey Sothear are finally being acknowledged and appreciated outside of the Khmer community. Both are paid homage to on this debut CD from Dengue Fever. That being said, this is a brilliant CD in it's own right!! This group is exciting and fresh!! Lead singer Chhom Nimol(a star in Cambodia who apparently lives in L.A. now) is incredible and so is the band! I really hope they keep putting out music this good! The cover of the track from Ethiopiques was a really nice touch also! I highly recommend this CD to fans of asian pop & great rock-n-roll & well, to coin a hackneyed phrase, worldbeat!! I mean that in the best sense of the term! I hope they tour nationwide!!"
Very close to being a five...Lots of fun to listen to.
S. Chhem | Fresno, California | 12/06/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is my first time purchasing music from a modern day Khmer singer. I have always been reluctant to purchasing them due to either the singer, or the music. However; I couldn't help but try this album out because of the band. They are a great transformation from the traditional and sometimes outdated Cambodian bands that you find at Cambodian wedding receptions. This is definitely one of my most favorite cds, and one that I have a lot of fun with singing and dancing to (Hold my Hips, Pow Pow, Shave Your Beard, and New Year's Eve).
The only reason why I didn't give it a five star rating was because of the second track (I'm Sixteen). The second track is known by every Khmer people on the planet and is without a doubt one of the most challenging song to sing to. Despite her attempt, I truly felt Chhom Nimol sabotaged this classic rock n' roll track.
Overall, the music is great and it is definitely worth your money!
"
It will blow you away
Down with scenesters | Los Angeles, CA, USA | 08/20/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Dengue Fever is a unique band, without a doubt, and their debut album is spot-on. If you like any kind of world music -- Brazilian and Senegalese are what I'm usually down with -- you will appreciate this. I would compare to another great L.A. band with a syncretic (i.e. somewhat Americanized) sound, like Ozomatli, but the analogy is only apt in terms of concept, not in the sound. The previous descriptions of DF's music are about right -- '60s swinging surf music, kinda psychedelic sound, and amazing vocals, in Cambodian.
And to top it all off, their live show is even better."
Dengue way to go
so_simplex | anaheim hills, CA | 12/21/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I grew up with a family that listens to cambodian songs...although i am cambodia, i grew up here not speakin much of it, so i don't listen cambodian songs at all, because i don't really understand it. But when i heard about dengue fever..i was intrigue..i thought it was so cute seeing american people singing background vocals and playing the instrument for a cambodian lady. I 've heard most of the original songs that dengue fever resang, but with the recreate of vocals by adding in the band..i think this is great band, idea and CD...i think this band accentuate the life of what cambodian people are really about through their music with their unique combination of styles...we are fun and we love life.."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1