cclaimed Boston ska and soul collective Westbound Train have announced their long-awaited new album Sing the Ghost Away, set for release on November 7, 2025 via ORG Music. The LP marks the group’s most dynamic and resonant work to date—an evolution that reaffirms their status as torchbearers of modern ska, rocksteady, and classic soul.
Produced by frontman Obi Fernandez (vocals, trombone) and drummer Eric Novod, and mixed/mastered by Tim Panella, the album was recorded at The Relic Room in New York City. The sessions blend warm analog textures with inventive arrangements, creating an emotionally charged record that feels both timeless and refreshingly contemporary.
“Sing the Ghost Away has hands down been my favorite record to put together in the history of this band,” says Fernandez. “From picking the songs, to dreaming up the artwork, to bringing in friends we love and respect—it all came together to create something that feels true to us. This album is our way of blending the sounds we hold close—Jamaican music, American rock ’n’ roll, and R&B. We love everything from Wilco to the Wailers, and you’ll hear that in the mix.”
The first single, “L.M.A.”, is streaming now and highlights the band’s sharpened songwriting and expanded sonic palette. According to Fernandez, “‘L.M.A.’ is a tune about self-worth. On the surface it leans into a relationship story, but really it’s bigger than that. We all face moments of disappointment and this song is a reminder that in those moments, the move is to self start, choose yourself—to love yourself first. We can’t wait around for validation to come to motivate us.”
The album features standout tracks such as “Keeper From the Start,” “Slippery Slope,” and a new version of “We All Need Rescue” (originally from their 2022 release). Guest musicians including Anthony Abbinanti (percussion), horn players Jon Degen and Luke Panella, and arranger Mike Sarason add depth and richness to the band’s signature sound.
Formats available include limited edition “Blood Orange” color vinyl (500 copies), signed test pressings (20 copies), CD, digital download/streaming, and a bonus “L.M.A. (Dub Remix)” lathe cut (50 copies).
Formed in 2001 at Berklee College of Music, Westbound Train quickly rose to prominence in the U.S. ska circuit with their infectious mix of ska, rocksteady, and soul. Drawing influence from The Skatalites, Hepcat, Otis Redding, and The Slackers, they’ve toured internationally and appeared at major festivals including Vans Warped Tour, Summer of Ska, and Rude Cat Festival.
The current lineup features Obi Fernandez (vocals, trombone), Rich Graiko (trumpet), Carlos Menezes Jr. (saxophone), Gideon Blumenthal (keyboards), Alex Brumel (guitar), Alex Stern (guitar), Thad Merritt (bass), and Eric Novod (drums). Beyond their music, the members are also educators, entrepreneurs, and family men, yet remain deeply committed to their shared mission: carrying forward a soulful, modern vision of ska and reggae.
To celebrate the upcoming release, Westbound Train will perform a series of live shows this fall while supporting Big D and the Kids Table. Dates include October 24 in Philadelphia at Warehouse on Watts, October 25 in New York at The Sultan Room, and October 26 in Cambridge at The Sinclair. These performances will give fans an early taste of the new songs alongside the band’s beloved catalog.
With Sing the Ghost Away, Westbound Train continue to prove why they’re one of the most important bands in today’s ska and soul revival: rooted in tradition, yet always pushing forward.
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