In the late ’90s, first-grade buddies Jacob Hemphill and Bob “Bobby Lee” Jefferson of reggae band SOJA set out from Washington, D.C., on a musical journey that has since culminated in six studio albums and several international tours.
An emerging force in the world music scene, SOJA has spent the past year touring the United States and South America with plans to tour Europe this fall, following the release of its new album “Amid the Noise and Haste.” The record, two years in the making, brings forth a fresh breath of harmonized vocals, dub rhythm and warm horn lines to a reggae style.
Building from themes of the group’s previous album “Strength to Survive,” released in 2012, SOJA’s sixth studio album, “Amid the Noise and Haste,” starts off in bold lyrical fashion on opening track “Tear it Down,” with lead vocalist Jacob Hemphill’s interpretation of the current situation of the human race.
Hemphill hits listeners immediately with a lyrical message highlighting his observations of environmental degradation and violence in society as the song ends in a triumphant buildup of horns and distorted guitars.
“The situation’s coming down to this, what matters to us all in the end/ … Total destruction is on the horizon if you are standing on the out looking in,” Hemphill projects in a tone of urgency.
Jamaican producer Supa Dups’ inclusion of guest artists Damian Marley on “Your Song,” Michael Franti and Nahko on “I Believe,” and Anuhea and J Boog on “Easier” add vocal depth while preserving Hemphill’s lead role.
The vocals of recently added guitarist Trevor Young stand out on “Shadow,” accompanied by a guitar riff that playfully hops about the fretboard. Hemphill’s lyrics display an update of a confrontational tone introduced in past albums like “Peace in a Time of War” and “Get Wiser”.
“They love it their way and they love unequal, and they love when they feel above someone/ I don’t follow the leader when they’re all wrong,” Hemphill chants in an resonant voice on “Shadow.”
As the album progresses, Hemphill projects a range of lyrical topics from the first-person perspective of a soldier coming home from war to his journeys through lucid dreams.
The album picks up with a swing-reggae style on “Once Upon a Time,” as SOJA meshes fast and slow-paced rhythms. A steady verse slows down into a slow, sweeping chorus, complemented by horns and sliding guitar effects.
Trumpeter Rafael Rodriguez and saxophonist Hellman Escorcia shine throughout “Amid the Noise and Haste,” together launching a horn line into “Promises and Pills,” that leads into a conscious freestyle by Alfred the MC. Hemphill jumps into the tune discussing the struggle many current veterans face in integrating back into society from the battlefield.
Transitions flow well from track to track during the second half of the album, evident in an upbeat and hopeful transition into the track “Signature.” The band’s time on tour in Latin America in 2013 manifests in a groovy salsa breakdown that adds new cultural taste to the record.
The vocals displayed by Jefferson, the band’s bassist, transform into a melodic style on “Driving Faster,” in which “Bobby Lee” takes a lead role on vocals in addition to his soothing bass playing throughout “Amid the Noise and Haste.”
Ryan Berty continues as SOJA’s rhythmical backbone on the drums, masterfully handling the high hats and kick drum to match the bass lines. The eight-man band creates a variety of full-sounding instrumentals on each of the album’s 17 tracks.
A rich, orchestral introduction on “Treading Water” sets a soothing tone for personal lyrics from Hemphill expressing the struggle of maintaining relationships on the road. The orchestral piece provides a contrast to SOJA’s usual roots – reggae sound reminiscent of past song “You and Me.”
Classical-style piano set a calming backdrop on “Lucid Dreams”. In the song, Hemphill talks about his travels through a lucid dream and finds peace within the answers inside of himself. The song concludes with a dreamy, warm piano outro accompanied by Hemphill and guest Nahko’s fading voices.
SOJA’s ability to hit a consistent lyrical message remains as its music influences larger audiences. The band will take the stage Aug. 19 at the Troubadour to perform “Amid the Noise and Haste” for an album release party.
– Max McGee
Email McGee at mmcgee@media.ucla.edu.