I first came across Dengue Fever after a long day at SXSW in Austin some years ago in the early hours of one morning, having been watching bands since 10am the previous day, bed was calling but the sound drifting out of the venue on the way back to the hotel was like a siren's call to stay awake.
Music that comes from another continent, bright, alive, and intriguingly seductive. I can happily report that nothing has changed on the strength of the band's latest record.
It’s been close to four years since Cambodian rock band Dengue Fever released a full album of new material, so ‘The Deepest Lake’ is long overdue in my books. Imagine Dick Dale playing in Dirty Projectors whilst jamming with Talking Heads and you come somewhere close to this band's electrifying vibe.
The band apparently made a conscious decision to head into their home studio looking to expand their sound by following their instincts to explore the jams that came out of their demos. “The Deepest Lake is probably our most challenging record to date”, said Dengue Fever Bassist Senon Williams. “We are entering our second decade together as a band and wanted to explore some ideas we’d experimented with in the past to try and capture a more expressive sound. Musically we went with a more raw approach while vocally Chhom Nimol came through with her signature power, intimacy and passion”.
This is an exceptional album of varied songs and rhythms that will bring the sunshine and warmth to your world on even the coldest winter's day.
Pete
10/11
1. Tokay
2. No Sudden Moves
3. Rom Say Sok
4. Ghost Voice
5. Deepest Lake on the Planet
6. Cardboard Castles
7. Vacant Lot
8. Still Waters Run Deep
9. Taxi Dancer
10. Golden Flute
