Record Label: Hellcat/Epitaph
Genre: Ska
Band Link: link
Buy on Amazon.com link

Westbound Train have the big-band and big-talent sound of the Slackers with the retro 70s soul infusion of the Aggrolites. Unfortunately, I’m not a fan of either band, as their neo-trad stylings to me feel stale and boring. Don’t get me wrong – I love 60s ska and I love a number of 3rd wave trad bands. But bands like the Slackers, Aggro’s and Westbound lack a certain catchiness and any hookability, and their songs always feel too lengthy and skippable. I mean, it’s no wonder every Slacker fan shouts for “Sarah,” since it’s their only hummable song, which is kinda sad since it was written a dozen years ago.

Westbound Train are talented and props to them for keeping trad ska alive in today’s wintery ska climate. But they don’t make me grin like the Pietasters, move me like the Bluebeats, or shake my ass like the Scofflaws.

Bottom Line: Neo-trad filler.
Notable Tracks: “Please Forgive Me” and “Sorry Mama” cuz I like when they apologize.
Overall Rating: