Emerging from L.A.'s Silver Lake area in 2001, Dengue Fever is known for their unique genesis as a band that covers '60s Cambodian rock, fronted by Cambodian pop star Chhom Nimol singing in Khmer. The band's fusion of garage rock, psychedelia, Bollywood influences, and surf music sets them apart, with their debut album released on Web of Mimicry. Despite setbacks, including Nimol's visa issues, Dengue Fever gained recognition and a following, releasing albums like Escape from Dragon House and Venus on Earth, and signing with Concord in 2010 for Cannibal Courtship and later crowdfunding their 2015 release The Deepest Lake.

The band's formation stemmed from organist Ethan Holtzman's trip to Cambodia in 1997, where he discovered the country's vibrant '60s rock scene. With the addition of members like Zac Holtzman, Senon Williams, and Paul Smith, Dengue Fever sought to bring Cambodian rock to a wider audience, eventually finding Nimol to front the band. Their music blends English lyrics with Khmer translations, showcasing a global mindset influenced by Ethiopian jazz. Through documentaries like Sleeping Through the Mekong and collaborations with labels like M80 and Real World, Dengue Fever has solidified their unique sound and continued to push boundaries in the music industry.