Dengue Fever has proven themselves undeniably infectious
There’s nothing cool about mosquito-borne tropical diseases, but despite the name, Dengue Fever has proven themselves undeniably infectious with the release of their 2015 EP, The Deepest Lake.
A fusion of psychedelic rock and 60s Cambodian pop, the band puts a unique spin on the Garage rock scene with a sound that is both parts eastern and western. The phased-out guitar riffs, groovy driving basslines, vintage keyboard swells, and funky afro percussion come together to form a tight, punchy band that delivers a 60s nostalgia — something analogous to Tame Impala’s infatuation for the 60s counter-culture.
Fronting the band is the Cambodian ex-nightclub singer, Chhom Nimol. The singer’s impressive range and mix of both English and Cambodian lyrics gives the band the push needed to elevate them into multi-cultural psychedelia.
The best track on the album, “Rom Say Sok”, is upbeat and super catchy complete with spacey keyboard stabs and a blistering saxophone solo that is guaranteed to please. “Golden Flute” is something straight out of a 60s spy film — mysterious and sultry. “Deepest lake on the planet”delivers lush layered soundscapes; haunting vocal harmonies and echoing guitar melodies create a hypnotic auras for listeners to become immersed in.
Overall, Dengue Fever is a band worth keeping an eye on, and The Deepest Lake brings a fresh twist to the ever-growing neo-psychedelic rock genre heard today.
Recommended if you like: Dungen, Stereolab, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Clinic, John Barry
Rec: “Rom Say Sok,” “Golden Flute,” “Deepest Lake On the Planet,” and “No Sudden Moves”
Reviewed by Mason Wheatley on February 5, 2015