Unfortunately better known for its tragic history, Cambodia had quite a developed pop industry before the communit take over. Clubs in the capital, Phnomh Penh, belted out psychadelic-influenced pop tunes that included traditional Cambodian instruments to give the music an entirely unique influence.

The Cambodian pop scene returned to life after the end of communism. It was a vibrant music scene that inspired Los Angeles-based brothers Eric and Zac Holtzman upon their trip to Cambodia to form their own Cambodia-pop band, better known as Dengue Fever. The brothers also lucked out: they found a great lead singer, Chhom Nimol, singing in the Little Phnomh Penh section of Long Beach. Together, they released the album Escape From Dragon House in 2005.

The album is entirely sung in Khmer, the native language of Cambodia. Nimol's voice is unlike anything found in Western Pop: it is both shrill, sweet, and can hit notes only a castrato would dare try. The music is energetic, but heavily influenced by South East Asia.

"We Were Gonna," the opening track, is probably the best example of the band's sound. It's brassy, bold, and intriguing: the framework sounds very western, but the interpretation is anything but.

The epynomious "Escape From Dragon House" is another hit: it's the most disco influenced track on the album, and it has a great bassline.

Escape From Dragon House is a great introduction to an unknwon nation's music.