Touch me, I'm sick

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne virus that afflicts nearly 100,000 people each year around the world. Symptoms from D.F. include raging headaches, vomiting and a 100-plus degree fever. In other words, not a good thing. But somehow an LA-based six-piece band named Dengue Fever has turned this condition into something all the more attractive. Fronted by Chhom Nimol, a Cambodian popstar in her own right (pictured), the band has a snaking international style that borrows equally from Bollywood, Bitches Brew era Miles Davis (this sample features guitarist extraordinaire John McLaughlin) and a whole lotta garage rockers. I was first infected by the band's self-titled debut a couple of years ago; this past fall came the outstanding collection of original tunes Escape from Dragon House. Hit this link for the "Sni Bong" video.

Dengue Fever plays Caribbean Lights on Sixth Street as part of the KUT/The World's All Music is World Music showcase on March 16 at 1 a.m. Find full SXSW listings here.