Psychedelic sounds
Dengue Fever blends Cambodian and American rock at the Levitt
By John Sollenberger 08/19/2010
See how rhythmically hypnotic Cambodian music melds with American rock when LA’s Dengue Fever performs Friday at the Levitt Pavilion in Pasadena’s Memorial Park.
This six-piece outfit, founded by brothers Ethan and Zac Holtzman, has made a steady climb out of the LA indie music scene and into the international spotlight since its launch in 2001. The music ranges from ethereal to highly accessible Americanized pop, with Eastern rhythms blending with psychedelic influences to offer a trance-like experience. Songs including “Sober Driver,” a whimsical, LA-centric ode to clubbing, share the repertoire with “March of the Balloon Animals,” which offers a testimonial to the band’s world-music virtuosity. Over the top of it all you hear the remarkable voice of Cambodian vocalist and front-woman Chhom Nimol, who performed regularly for Cambodia’s king and queen before joining the band.
Dengue Fever has released three discs since forming, including the most recent piece, the soundtrack for the documentary “Sleepwalking through the Mekong.” The band’s music has been featured in movies and TV shows, including HBO’s “True Blood” and Showtime’s “Weeds.” They’re currently recording their latest, as-yet-untitled disc in an LA studio.
Music starts at 8 p.m. Friday at Levitt Pavilion in Memorial Park, corner of Raymond Avenue and Holly Street, Pasadena. Admission is free.
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