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Alluring and revolutionary, bright
and buoyant, exemplary in their ability to evolve from
what is expected, the Los Angeles-based musical collective
known as West Indian Girl has created its majestic,
engaging sophomore disc 4th & Wall, their first
and long anticipated release for Milan (Emilie Simon,
Lisa Gerard). On an album brimming with instant, artful
pop classics, this one-time studio duo turned living,
breathing modern rock sextet has vaulted beyond the
electronic banner under which it once uncomfortably
resided.
Launched by the expansive and amazingly
memorable “Blue
Wave,” West Indian Girl’s fusion of undeniable
guitar riffs, prog-like keyboard flourishes and pulsing
rhythms pour a perfect foundation for the mind-melding
hook and tsunami of blissful harmonies that follow. “It’s
about finding the best thing in life, be it a wave or
a state of mind or a perfect escape,” co-founding
bassist Francis Ten says.
Stemming from an infectious hook and
a guitar part brought to the band by his musical partner
Robert James, the ode to surfing on the bluest wave is
destined to become a favorite of both discerning music
lovers and aberrant fun seekers across the globe. Still,
it’s surprising
to learn that the shimmering, sun-streaked anthem (and
its parent album) was crafted amid the decaying, urban
environs where the group’s studio resides. And
it’s that corner of the world that gives West Indian
Girl – which also counts vocalist Mariqueen Maandig,
keyboardist Nathan Van Hala, drummer Mark Lewis and keyboardist/vocalist
Amy White – its album title.
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