KMANG KMANG (K’mayng K’mayng) is an Avant World Rock group, founded by the classically trained guitarist and composer Barmey Ung. The music comes from a slowly distilled mix of Ung’s musical passions: the subtle force of the classical guitar tradition, the sounds of Spain and Brazil, his emerging understanding of his roots as a Cambodian-­-American. The results engage and scintillate. Their debut album Drifting embodies a post-­-rock, jazz-­-inflected dismantling of indie songwriting of emotional, complex songs without words.

“Innovative, Eclectic, and Solid”
-­- Konstantin Bezzubov, Lumino Magazine

“The most important thing is that it’s viscerally powerful,” states Ung. “I don’t like to intellectualize things too much, and don’t like to attach meanings where there doesn’t have to be meanings. I just want the music to be aesthetically powerful.”

Ung’s vision flows through pieces composed in dialogue with a carefully recruited group of diverse Chicago musicians, finding expression in pensive and grooving instrumentals, work with dancers, visual arts pieces—and even the occasional rock song.

“new concept, plenty of talent, collaboration, risk and good people. Kmang Kmang blends music of multiple genres, wonderfully. How refreshing!”
-­- Aimee Biasello, Chicago Q Ensemble.

“Drifting” moves from shadowy prog rock exuberance to a brighter softer waltzing feel. Higlighting violinist Brandi Berry's uniquely keening, soaring sound, "Lullaby" rocks with a solid, sinous bass (Sam Filip) and drums (jazz veteran John Fortin), while the guitar jumps between rhythmic rattles and resonant textures. The artfully arranged “Sulpa” takes a fresh, bassy look at a traditional Cambodian welcoming song, a piece Ung had often heard but experienced in a new way thanks to Chicago-­-based trumpet innovator and Cambodian music explorer, David Young.

“An amazing musical experience!”
-­- Greg Spero, Jazz Pianist

There’s a tension and development that stems from classical training, yet a focused freedom and playful looseness Ung and his colleagues have nurtured (the band’s name means “children” in Khmer, the main language of Cambodia). It suits Ung to a tee.

“My composition process is all instinctual,” explains Ung. “I’ve tried to develop a connection with my unconscious. I’m listening to myself and my body, about what the contour of the music should be.”