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September 6, 2007

New West Indian Girl - "Sofia" & "Indian Ocean"

If you surf to West Indian Girl's MySpace, you can catch two songs from the forthcoming 4th & Wall. The one-time studio duo, now a fleshier L.A. sextet, is acting every bit its size on the Fleetwood Lips-bombastic "Sofia" (we've tried recreating those final howlin' gal harmonies to no avail ... the waving, proggy keys we can do). We're not as hot on "Indian Ocean," a mellower and more oceanic ballad, but we do appreciate the Jim Steinman-esque bombast. We also appreciate how this press photo, uh, ties into the aforementioned water theme.

L.A., we love it! But seriously, just what is 4th & Wall besides an address in a neighborhood we rarely visit?

According to vocalist/guitarist Robert James:

It’s in an old warehouse surrounded by a humble community of homeless people living in cardboard boxes and tents. They’re our captive audience, listening to us every night in the rain, cold and sweltering heat. We play for them as much for ourselves. It’s the place where we conjure up spirits and manifest visions-- visions of a better place.
The first single "Blue Wave" (more water!) will be up at iTunes on 9/25. The complete 4th & Wall is out 10/23 on Milan.

Posted at 4:18 PM in
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23 Comments

Great song. Great band. This is another example of a really hard-working talented band that somehow floats under everyone's radar despite their extensive touring. Thanks for the post Stereogum.

Posted by: rain the shining at 09/06/07 5:17 PM | Reply
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Huge fan... WIG are an honest, hard working band that deserves more recognition indeed. Thanks for posting this!!!

Posted by: Andrew at 09/06/07 5:29 PM | Reply
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Been listening to these guys for awhile, very passionate on stage. I've been looking forward to this album and upcoming tour. Thanks for givng them the recognition they deserve!

Posted by: Adam at 09/06/07 6:36 PM | Reply
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One of the best live acts I've ever seen.

Posted by: Jeff at 09/06/07 6:38 PM | Reply
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Looks like they added Blue Wave to the myspace. Thats a hell of a catchy song. Good stuff...

Posted by: Mark at 09/06/07 6:44 PM | Reply
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That singer Mariqueen is drop dead gorgeous

Posted by: Jake at 09/06/07 7:36 PM | Reply
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Er, I think you mean Jim STEINMAN, aka producer of Meat Loaf's "Bat Out Of Hell," right?

Posted by: Reid Davis at 09/06/07 8:07 PM | Reply
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I've seen these guys live, and it's really one of the best shows I've ever been to. Not only are they musically talented, but the passion they put forth on the stage, and the sexy front-woman makes the act addicting. They're new album is supposed to be their best yet ... it's getting out that they are now under new leadership by a young New York up-and-coming agent and he's got them focused on breaking through to the other side. I'll be there, and I'll be waiting ...

Posted by: Jerry at 09/06/07 11:24 PM | Reply
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You're right, Reid. Couldn't find my copy of Faster Than The Speed Of Night, so we had to wing it. Fixed!

Posted by: brandon at 09/07/07 7:33 AM | Reply
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not that this band isn't good...but don't the first four comments in this thread strike you as street teamers? they all basically say the same thing. adam and andrew are obviously the same person.

Posted by: nick at 09/07/07 9:24 AM | Reply
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my god look at the baby feeders on that woman.

Posted by: alvy at 09/07/07 11:40 AM | Reply
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Thanks for the heads up

Posted by: dudeasincool at 09/07/07 12:42 PM | Reply
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another andrew here, not a street teamer. Have taken a few pictures for the band and they were great to work with and definetely a cool live act. Lookin forward to hearing rest of the CD.

Posted by: andrew Zrike at 09/07/07 5:52 PM | Reply
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Goddess Alert! Where is that brunette from?

Posted by: Scott at 09/07/07 6:39 PM | Reply
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wow, that woman has breasts!

Posted by: seth at 09/07/07 8:55 PM | Reply
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C'mon, people, you're giving me an inferiority complex.

Posted by: the blonde at 09/08/07 12:01 PM | Reply
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Now, THAT chick's got the moneymaker!

Posted by: Blake Sennett at 09/09/07 5:39 PM | Reply
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They have more songs from the album up on Mariqueen's music page. She's the 2nd person on their top friends list. I don't even think she's real. She can't be. She's preportioned like a cartoon character and she's going to be the mother of my children.

Posted by: Dave at 09/10/07 3:52 PM | Reply
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hey blake - we're playing spaceland on oct 20th - try to make it.

dear everyone - the chick's name is mariqueen - she's got the moneymaker alright - she's also probably one of the most powerful female vocalists out right now. after you see a show u will understand.

i didnt know we had street teamers that actually did anything - if we do, thanx - i guess that must mean we're goin places...i will be sure to let everyone know when i quit my day job.

F10

Posted by: F10 at 09/10/07 8:03 PM | Reply
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please stop sizing up the band by the attractive brunette, even though she is pochahantas.

Posted by: stephen at 09/11/07 4:12 AM | Reply
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she does look like a sultry pocohontas! watching her sing is the highlight of their show. they're a great band and she is absolutely mezmerizing.

Posted by: melissa at 09/11/07 4:37 PM | Reply
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Heard "Still Lost" coming back from San Diego back to San Clemente after a Interpol/Bloc Party concert.Very Foggy mellow night and a bit buzzed and we thought it was "Only a Northern Song" -Harrisons/Beatle song off "Yellow Submarine". When we snapped, and realized it wasn't the Beatles ,we grabbed a pen ,And googled West Indian Girl when we finally got home.Bought the CD and have been in heaven ever since. W.I.G could easily have been a star band in Woodstock '69 Or Monterey Pop '67-they are THAT GOOD ! Mariqueen is Hauntingly beautiful in the bands video's -I want to give her an intimate foot massage while feeding her grapes like Cleopatra !!!!!!!!

Posted by: Rick at 09/17/07 7:45 PM | Reply
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Ilike to start friend ship with indian girl,becouse of the budist culture.

Posted by: Bandara at 10/26/07 6:48 AM | Reply
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