West Indian Girl

Two rave-damaged boys (Robert James and Francis Ten) fuse electronica's mind-expanding impulses with introvert rock, and the result is spacious, subdued and glowing. Songs like "Hollywood" don't hit you right away -- they creep in, filling the cracks in your consciousness. A great comedown album after a long night.

At best, debut albums are often promising collections that hint at a band's potential. Then,
every once in a while, a band comes out of leftfield and nails it on its first try. Such is the
case here. This collection of sweepingly, sun-drenched sonic pop is one part early U2,
one-part Jane's Addiction, one-part Electric Skychurch and 100 percent Southern
California. Processed guitars, cascading keys and blissful melodies contribute to... More >