Acclaimed ska and soul collective Westbound Train has released their long-awaited new album ‘Sing the Ghost Away’ via Org Music. The record marks a bold and deeply resonant evolution for the band, an inspired return that reaffirms their place as torchbearers of modern ska, rocksteady and classic soul. Produced by Obi Fernandez and Eric Novod, and mixed and mastered by Tim Panella, ‘Sing the Ghost Away’ was recorded at The Relic Room in New York City. Pairing warm analog textures with inventive arrangements and nuanced sonic detail, the album delivers a confident, emotionally charged collection that feels both timeless and refreshingly new.
Standout tracks like “L.M.A.,” “Keeper From the Start” and “Slippery Slope” showcase Westbound Train’s sharpened songwriting and expanded sonic range, while a newly recorded version of “We All Need Rescue” breathes new life into a fan-favorite deep cut. Contributions from Anthony Abbinanti on percussion, horn players Rich Graiko and Carlos Menezes Jr. further enrich the band’s signature sound. Formed in 2001 at Berklee College of Music, Westbound Train built an international following with their infectious blend of ska, rocksteady and soul. Influenced by icons like The Skatalites, Hepcat, Otis Redding and The Slackers, the band became a staple of the U.S. ska circuit, sharing stages on The Vans Warped Tour, Summer of Ska, Rude Cat Festival and more.
Today, the lineup features Obi Fernandez, Rich Graiko on trumpet, Carlos Menezes Jr. on saxophone, Gideon Blumenthal on keyboards, Alex Brumel on guitar, Alex Stern on guitar, Thad Merritt on bass and Eric Novod on drums. Beyond the stage, they’re fathers, sons, teachers and community leaders, united by a shared passion for carrying forward a distinctly soulful vision of ska and reggae. With ‘Sing the Ghost Away’, Westbound Train prove once again why they remain a cornerstone of the modern ska and soul revival.