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Salad Days Magazine | July 16, 2026

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ACCLAIMED BOSTON SKA AND SOUL COLLECTIVE WESTBOUND TRAIN RELEASE NEW SINGLE ‘SLIPPERY SLOPE’

ACCLAIMED BOSTON SKA AND SOUL COLLECTIVE WESTBOUND TRAIN RELEASE NEW SINGLE ‘SLIPPERY SLOPE’
Salad Days

OFF UPCOMING ALBUM ‘SING THE GHOST AWAY’. LP OUT NOVEMBER 7, 2025 – A SOULFUL EVOLUTION IN SKA, ROCKSTEDY & CLASSIC SOUL.

Boston, MA — 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 (vocals, trombone) and Eric Novod (drums), and mixed/mastered by Tim Panella, 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 the first single ‘L.M.A.’, ‘Keeper From The Start’, and ‘Slippery Slope’ showcase combo’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 (percussion), horn players Rich Graiko and Carlos Menezes Jr., further enrich the band’s signature sound. “‘Slippery Slope’ is a reminder to keep showing up, even when life feels heavy” says Fernandez. “The truth is, it’s sweeter when we’re fully here—alive, aware, and present in the moment we’ve been given. We all wrestle with doubt and insecurity; none of us are alone in it. There’s a whole lot of us out here just trying to hold on, find our footing, and keep moving forward together.”

Upcoming Shows (supporting Big D And The Kids Table):

Oct 24 — Philadelphia, PA · Warehouse on Watts

Oct 25 — New York, NY · The Sultan Room

Oct 26 — Cambridge, MA · The Sinclair

With ‘Sing The Ghost Away’, Westbound Train prove once again why they remain a cornerstone of the modern ska and soul revival: a band deeply grounded in tradition, yet always writing the next chapter. Today, the lineup features Obi Fernandez, Rich Graiko (trumpet), Carlos Menezes Jr. (saxophone), Gideon Blumenthal (keyboards), Alex Brumel (guitar), Alex Stern (guitar), Thad Merritt (bass), and Eric Novod (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. Formed in 2001 at Berklee College of Music, band have 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, while performing alongside genre heavyweights around the world.

Photo: Nick Karp

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