Dengue Fever have moved on. The world’s finest Cambodian-American band started out as revivalists, influenced by the pop styles that flourished in Phnom Penh in the 60s and 70s before being brutally stamped out by the Khmer Rouge. Initially seen as a quirky Los Angeles novelty, they have endured because they are a great live band, fronted by the impressively feisty Chhom Nimol. Now, with their first new album in almost four years, they are exploring new directions. There are still reminders of good-time 60s garage pop, as on the stomping Rom Say Sok, but Tokay and Deepest Lake on the Planet are easy-going, atmospheric pieces, while Still Waters Run Deep shifts from furious chanting to a jazzy horn workout. It’s a fine set of songs that should sound even better live.
