Boston's Westbound Train are back with an all new album following their impressive 2006 release Transitions. This time the six man crew completely outdoes themselves in every way possible with Come And Get It. The album was once again put out through Hellcat Records and proves to be one of my favorite releases to date this year hands down.
Think ska music infused with jazz, reggae, and heavy doses of R&B and you have the perfect idea of what Westbound Train specializes in. Not to be compared with Motown, although close at times, the band remains a ska act, but keeps a soulful attitude, throughout this release .
I had the pleasure of reviewing the band's last CD a while back and was impressed with every moment of it. This time I am back to that same level of excitement with Come And Get It. I must say that I am pretty sure that this CD will be my soundtrack for this summer.
As soon as the CD started with "I Don't Belong Here" lead singer Obi Fernandez's voice seems to sooth the soul and set the mood. With horns, a groovy rhythm, and even some background harmony the song immediately put me in the most relaxed of states, as the song reminisces about the good times. Almost reminding me of a Smokey Robinson song, "Ain't Gonna Be Easy", was a full forced R&B track sure to please any listener one way or another.
"Why You Cry" was an amazing ska soul track with ear catching singing thanks to King Django and also amazing tenor saxophone solos. "Come And Get It" featured some sick organ playing throughout the song with even more impressive singing.
"What You Need" was one of the more diverse tracks on the CD thanks to The Sweet Divines adding their classy soulful backup singing. If that was not good enough they return on "So Many Things A Man Can Say", one of the albums more Motown inspired songs. If there is any track on this CD that proves this band has soul, this is the track.
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