Extreme Listening Mode!

As labels go, ‘Cambodian jazz pop rock psychedelic dance party’ is neither the most succinct or inspiring. But yet, Dengue Fever have attracted quite a bit of interest lately, culminating in an appearance on Jools Holland last week and a very short UK Tour. However, in the bar before the gig, it’s rather obvious that no-one knows entirely what to expect. This is a gig which could be amazing or atrocious.

Tuts is a legendary venue, and it is also a very good one, but its reputation does occasionally engender an arrogance which impacts directly on the customer service. For example, Tuts is a great believer in the rock’n'roll ethos that bands don’t emerge on stage until after ten. Now, as many bands playing here are indie bands on their first run-through, and attract a lot of students, this doesn’t present a problem. But when a band who attract a, shall we say, more mature crowd play – as is the case tonight – it can for a lot of punters. And frankly, there isn’t any need for it on a Monday. I’m all for the spirit of Keith Moon coming to the fore, but hey, we’ve got work in the morning!

But what of the band? Well, they look great, all beards and Rasta hats. Lead singer Chhom Nimol is like a sparkly little Cambodian doll, but man, she has a pair of lungs. The music is generally jazz-inflected pop, with her vocal style best being described as ‘distinctive’. The band are very well drilled, and very much aware of the groove. It’s very difficult not to grin watching them, as they are all having a ball and clearly loving what they are up to. And in a world where Chris Martin moaning about how his macrobiotic breakfast was served a degree too cold sells records, it’s refreshing to see that.

‘Tiger Phonecard’ is a slinky little number with an incredible vocal performance, but the highlight is ‘Sober Driver’ which is the best pop song about getting pissed and phoning someone for a lift you’ll hear this year. it’s a shimmering, funky thing which wouldn’t seem out of place in a particularly dark film noir.

There are a few psychedelic wig outs happening too, and much many of us in the audience are lolling our heads and shaking our hips along with it. On a freezing, pissing with rain night in Glasgow, that is some achievement. Some bands just make you happy – Dengue Fever are one of them. Check them out.

Filed under: gigs | Tagged: Cambodian jazz pop rock psychedelic dance party, Dengue Fever, Glasgow, king Tuts