Cambodian Space Project - Whiskey Cambodia

by Lisa Torem

published: 12 / 7 / 2014

Cambodian Space Project - Whiskey Cambodia

Label: Metal Postcard Records
Format: CD

Compulsive third album from the remarkable Cambodian Space Project, whose music combines Motown-influenced 60's Cambodian pop covers with their own original songs

Review

'Whiskey Cambodia' is Cambodian Space Project’s third album. Fronted by Srey Thy, whose version of ‘Johnny Guitar’ in a karaoke bar inspired Australian musician Julien Poulson in 2009 to ask her to form a band, their repertoire consists of highly contagious originals and Motown-inspired gems. They have toured internationally with the likes of Nick Cave and at major American and British festivals. Thy’s voice is expressive and unique. She’s a committed women's rights activist who narrowly escaped a harrowing trafficking ring. Her passion for life comes through in every single note and her range is impressive too. The album was recorded at Rustbelt Studios in Michigan by Al Sutton (Bob Seger, Loretta Lynnn) and the line-up includes guitarist Dennis Coffey, keyboardist Paul Whitfield, bassist Chuck Bartels, drummer Steve Adams and the exquisite Motor City Horns. ‘Dance Twist’ showcases Thy’s haunting vocals right off. The band forms a dizzy dirge against her insistent expression. She immediately convinces you that every note in a song is sacred. It’s on ‘If You Were to Love Me’ that we witness her extraordinary range and vocal command and, even though she is singing in her native Khmer, the feelings come through in this undulating melody brightened by the fine horn section and 1960’s style keys and brilliant drums. Surprisingly, ‘Mountain Dance’ borders on reggae, with its clanky, danceable beat. Thy’s vocals come across as flawless and playful. Again, in ‘Longing for The Light Rain,’ the band transforms us. ‘If You Go I Go Too’ is a crystal clear ballad. Thy’s slow-moving contralto leads us down the path of heartbreak. ‘Black to Gold’ honours thick horns. Here, Thy does a quasi-spoken word duet in English. It’s a delightful contrast. ‘Rom Rom Rom’ does a lot with crazy, frenetic horns and hand claps done in a 1950s way. ‘When Are You Free’ is another engaging duet. The slow-burning, self-titled closer ‘Whiskey Cambodia’ features some marvellous psychedelic sounds, with some amazing guitar. Watch out for this band. They’re explosive, original and incredibly versatile.

Track Listing:-

1 Dance Twist
2 If You Wish to Love Me
3 Mountain Dance
4 Longing for the Light Rain
5 If You Go I Go Too
6 Here Comes the Rain
7 Black to Gold
8 Rom Rom Rom
9 When Are You Free?
10 Whiskey Cambodia