Drakkar 74

Drakkar
Drakkar 74’
Reviewed by BravoMarco

Cambodian legends with a re-release from a long forgotten cassette that originally came out in 1974. This is recognized as the most influential recording from the “Golden Era” of Cambodian music from the pre Khmer Rouge era –The sound quality is a bit ropey, however the warmth & energy of the band makes up for it. Some tracks have that cabaret feel combined with quality folk, soul, R&B & psychedelic influences. All are fused together perfectly. Like: Great laid back folky - funk from the time: Manu Dibango, Mahmoud Ahmed, that whole Thai sound. UK, US 60’s beat.
All are so relaxing & worth playing. In particular: 2,7,11,12

No FCC’s (No English vocals)
1) Boer Chhang Ban Onn (3.28) Even paced with that elegant charm.
2) Sarawan Chhan Penh Boromei (2.51) Just sublime. Quality vocals with male backing. Slow & luscious.
3) Boer Bang Min Maytha (7.12) Ballad with easygoing backing vocals. The instrumental in the middle has that 60’s psych influence coming out.
4) Chhkuot Chhet Thbet Snae Onn (5.15) Male vocals. Harder edged garage rock
5) Onn Ro Ngea Doal Chhaoeung Khnong (3.24) Back to the slower feel.
6) Onn Chhou Moat Nas (3.25) Shimmering opening & onto another slower paced feel good track.
7) Moeul Khos Hoeuy Mae (3.46) More energetic & jangly, yet still restrained.
8) Onn Chhang Pralaong Ram Sarawan (2.33) As above, just slower.
9) Bang Khoeung Roeung Awey (4.14) Slow head nod in the “Grease” tradition.
10) Reatrey Ngor Ngit (4.07) Hula Hula. 60’s swing. Faster paced rocker.
11) Jomreang Saoka (5.39) Has the qualities of a classic: Stones, Doors tradition.
12) Bang Chhub Thveu Khos Hoeuy (3.45) Male vocals. Drinking dodgy whisky, wearing a loud shirt in some dive of a club. Nice & sleazy does it.
13) Boer Bang Min Maytha (7.33) Version of track 3 – slightly longer & more of a grungy feel when it comes in.