After nearly a century of French rule, Cambodia gained independence in 1953 and began a long period of war and human suffering. During the Khmer Rouge dictatorial regime (1975-1979) aimed at China, (pop) music was banned. Artists were executed and cultural heritage including instruments and music recordings deliberately destroyed. But in people's hearts, Cambodian pop continued to live. Shortly
… after the turn of the millennium, the American band Dengue Fever started to cover old classics from the sixties, a proven method to revive the once forbidden music. Former karaoke singer Chhom Nimol, also the only Cambodian band member, made sure that their performances sounded authentic. For example, it gave them a place on the compilation op. Fifteen years and a pile of albums later, Dengue Fever also appears to be able to write psychedelic pop very well. The surf guitar and the Farfisa organ ensure that you immediately imagine yourself in the sixties. The rhythm produced by the hand-played percussion provides an Asian touch. Dengue Fever beautifully continues a tradition that was once aborted by brute force. (JE)more