#reviewoftheweek / SOJA - Amid The Noise And Haste

Reggae has broken into pop and rock music throughout the past few decades, and many artists have made it their trademark sound from as far back as the Police to Sublime in the 90's and 311 over the past two decades. SOJA have been making music for quite some time, and in this very vein, however, this is the album that will surely catapult them to become just as much a household name as the aforementioned bands. Their previous album established them as a force within the genre, but it's this album, with the inclusion of guest artists like Michael Franti and Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley, that will have SOJA in the mix at pop and alternative rock radio alike. Their blend of reggae and rock, coupled with their powerful and potent lyrics is sure to have music lovers taking notice. The first single "I Believe" (which features Franti and roots/reggae artists Nahko) is a happy song that has a sing-a-long chorus that is very reminiscent of Michael Franti's style of reggae rock. "Your Song" (featuring Marley) blurs more genre lines, emulating Marley's mix of hip hop tinged reggae. Politically charged lyrics and protest-style songs are staples on SOJA releases, and the standout on this one is "Promises And Pills" which at the core is a song about the perils faced by young military veterans being assisted in their reintroduction into society after returning from overseas deployment. SOJA's music is fun and important, and it's that mix that makes them stand out amongst their peers and influences, and why "Amid The Noise And Haste" is possibly the band's best yet.