Album Review: Dengue Fever – Ting Mong
Led by brothers Ethan and Zac Holtzman and fronted by the exquisite vocalist Chhom Nimol, Dengue Fever combines the traditional sound of Southeast Asia with Western pop values, and the result is enchanting. Across eight albums, Dengue Fever has managed to have it both ways: remaining uncompromising to their established musical vision while crafting wonderfully accessible, mesmerizing music.
Ting Mong is the group’s (sixth? seventh? eighth?) latest long player (there have been several EPs and a set of other artists’ music curated by the band as well), and plays the Dengue Fever’s strengths. Nimol sings exclusively in Khmer, but the old adage about music being the universal language is especially apt. The beauty of her vocals conveys the emotion quite effective. And the instrumental backing is sublime, subtle and inventive. Wholly free of gimmickry, the music on Ting Mong is contemplative, dreamy and alluring.
By its very nature, this music is exotic, almost otherworldly. But it’s also connected enough to western musical conventions to feel warm and inviting. Listeners can luxuriate in the sonic landscape, or let Ting Mong play in the background; it works equally well both ways. And the band isn’t afraid to deviate ever-so-slightly from its established musical construct: Zac Holtzman takes the lead vocal for “Great on Paper,” a tune that might remind some listeners a bit (but just a bit) of Khurangbin.
As fine as any title in Dengue Fever’s back catalog certainly is, newcomers are encouraged to start in the here-and-now with Ting Mong. If (as I suspect) you’re won over by the group’s unique approach, you’ll have a great deal of back catalog material to explore.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.