The rock sensation Dengue Fever, a unique fusion of Cambodian and American roots based in Los Angeles, has stirred the music world today with the announcement of their long-awaited album, “Ting Mong”. Slated for release on September 15, 2023, this is the band’s first collection of new material in over eight years. Fans can pre-order the album through the band’s official website, or pre-save the album via this link.
Setting the rhythm for the upcoming album, the first single and video titled “Touch Me Not” is now available on all major Digital Service Providers (DSPs) via their own label, Tuk Tuk Records. This is only the beginning; fans can look forward to three more singles and accompanying videos in the months leading up to the full album release. This new album also commemorates the 20th anniversary of their groundbreaking self-titled debut album from 2003.
Dengue Fever bass player Senon Williams shared insights into their latest venture, “We initially imposed certain parameters while recording ‘Ting Mong’, but we eventually broke free from the shackles of our past albums. Our key focus was to let Chhom Nimol’s captivating voice take flight. The ambiance of the world today inspired us to delve into the sublime and melancholic tones, purposely leaving behind the chaos and frenzy.”
‘Ting Mong’ is Dengue Fever’s sixth album and refers to a concept from Khmer folklore. A Ting Mong is essentially a scarecrow, a decoy used to fend off evil spirits and plagues. The band crafted this album after a self-imposed hiatus coupled with the global pandemic, giving them ample time to flesh out tracks, resulting in slower, more psychedelic jams. The captivating album artwork is by renowned Japanese comic book and Anime/manga artist Imiri Sakabashira.
Even though the band hasn’t released new material since their 2015 album, ‘The Deepest Lake’, they’ve remained active. They’ve reissued their entire back catalog on vinyl and CD over the past years and collaborated with Minky Records for the first vinyl release of their 2007 documentary’s soundtrack, ‘Sleepwalking Through The Mekong’. They’ve also made waves with their music being licensed for commercials, films, television, and live performances for Lauren Yee’s theatrical production, ‘Cambodian Rock Band’.
Kickstarting 2023, the band performed at the GlobalFEST music festival in New York and have played a string of Southern California dates, building anticipation for the new album. They are set to headline live shows across North America and internationally, continuing into 2024. Tour dates will be released shortly.
Tuk Tuk Records is distributed through MRI/The Orchard in North America and Proper Music Group worldwide.
Learn more about Dengue Fever
Boasting a multicultural lineup, Dengue Fever consists of Cambodian songstress Chhom Nimol, Zac Holtzman (guitar/vocals), Ethan Holtzman (keyboards), Senon Williams (bass), Paul Smith (drums), and David Ralicke (horns). They have released multiple acclaimed albums, including ‘Dengue Fever’, ‘Escape From Dragon House’, ‘Venus On Earth’, ‘Cannibal Courtship’, ‘In The Ley Lines’, and ‘The Deepest Lake’. Their upcoming album ‘Ting Mong’ will be available on September 15, 2023. They are currently based in Los Angeles.