Posted on: November 17, 2007 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

West Indian Girl – 4th and Wall / 2007 Milan / 11 Tracks / http://www.westindiangirl.com /

West Indian Girl have been around as a band since at least 2004, when they released their self-titled debut album on Astralwerks. Members of West Indian Girl have worked together before, as Robert James and Francis Ten were previously in WIG. “To Die in L.A.” is the first track on “4th and Wall”, and while it does not provide much more than an introduction to the band, its position is important to the overall sound of the rest of the disc. “Indian Ocean” is a track that is much more in tune with the style put forth by West Indian Girl. The emotive guitar work paints a sunny sound scape, while the intensity kicks up after the double vocals unite.

The shift back and forth between quiet and intense during “Indian Ocean” is what attracts me the most to West Indian Girl. The alternative rock style of the rest of the track will bring countless listeners into the fold, and the increased amount of chaos in the later minutes of the track show that West Indian Girl have an appreciation for the psychedelic style of the sixties. The updating of this psychedelic style shows the band’s ability, as it is so successfully attached to the band’s overall sound that it feels like a natural extension from West Indian Girl’s own sound instead of being based off of their influences. “Sofia” is the band’s biggest hit. From the hopeful vocals that are present at the onset of the track to the twinkling synthesizer that play at the bottom of the song, everything is perfectly placed, allowing the band to make a song that recalls early Modest Mouse or Polyphonic Spree.

Perhaps most memorable during “Sofia” has to be the “heavenly” vocals that the lead is address; the female vocals will capture anyone that is listening’s heart and refuse to let go, even after the disc is done. In fact, the vocals during “Sofia” make the track into an “Estranged”-style epic from a normal indie / rock track. “Blue Wave” is yet another hit for West Indian Girl, and while it is much more sedate in overall tone than any of the other tracks previously heard on the disc, the intricacies present in the instrumental segment of the band are easily equivalent to anything else heard. Even if you have not heard of West Indian Girl, give the band a listen and I guarantee they will infect you.

Top Tracks: Solar Eyes, Back to You

Rating: 7.4/10

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