The Alternative Star.com

Album: Westbound Train – Come and Get It

Released: April 21, 2009 on Hellcat

I’m not usually a ska fan so I didn’t know what to expect when the new Westbound Train CD Come and Get It arrived in my mailbox. Seriously, one of the only ska bands I can stand is Less Than Jake and even then, I find they are more pop punk than ska. Either way, mixed with reggae and a whole lot of soul; Westbound Train certainly pleasantly surprised me. For a band still releasing records in 2009, they sound like they came straight out of the 60’s or 70’s. “Ain’t Gonna Be Easy” in particular reminded me of this. The song seriously sounded like something that could have come out of Dream Girls. The chorus is catchy and lead vocalist/trombone player Obi Fernandez has a smooth, soulful voice that blends in just right. “I Don’t Belong Here” has an awesome saxophone solo giving the record a jazzy vibe too. The horns shine all over actually, as do the lyrics, which are anything but too cheesy. Ultimately, if you’re looking for something a little different from what you'd expect from a punk label, this disc won’t disappoint.

Final Verdict? 3.5/5

Reviewed by: Deborah Remus