Category:
World

Try if you like:
Bebel Gilberto, Sun City Girls

Dengue Fever's Venus on Earth has already gotten rave reviews but I'm not totally convinced that they are deserved. We don't often get Cambodian style music to review here but in the whole scheme of things Dengue Fever is the embodiment of the "khmer" music that I've been exposed to. Escape from Dragon House was their last album and they did receive great accolades for that one as well. It is Chhom Nimol's vocals that give Dengue Fever the full international flavor. The rest of the musicians just like to mess around with a bunch of different styles. On "Sober Driver" you think more of an Ultra Lounge setting then an international setting. But the majority of Venus on Earth does have a Cambodian flavor. There is even a bit of Doors styled keyboards on "Mr. Orange". The opening track, "Seeing Hands" is my favorite though. It's got a mysterious vibe to it. Reminds of King Cobb Steelie.

The best part about Dengue Fever is that they manage to get a very international sound even though they are based in the US. It brings the Cambodian pop sound to the masses. Venus On Earth is definitely not for everyone but people who do enjoy pop a little on the eclectic side should give this album a shot.