From Jimmy Cliff’s movie and album The Harder They Come, that showed the hardships of living in Jamaica, to Bob Marley & The Wailers songs of revolution and unity; politics have always been a huge part of reggae music. Washington D.C. based band, Soldiers of Jah Army continue that tradition.

Joseph Hemphill (insert obligatory joke here) fronts the band; providing soulful reggae vocals and guitar work. It’s his voice that defines the band’s sound: a mix of roots-reggae, hip-hop, dancehall, rock, and Latin flavors. Hemphill’s lyrics cry of injustices, anger towards the government, and rasta views. The band has released two full length albums: 2003’s Peace In a Time of War and the newly released Get Wiser. Both album’s have a main purpose–displeasure with the current administration. “Peace In a Time of War,” a fan favorite and live staple, is probably the bands most overtly political song. It cries out against the President while Hemphill pleads for “just some peace in a time of war.” Get Wiser, 2006’s release, tackles September 11th, 2001 with the song “911.”

It’s a post 9/11 view of our newly war-hungry world set to horns and reggae rhythms. It even features a very rap by bassist Bob Jefferson reminiscent of Peter Tosh’s rap in the Bob Marley & the Wailers song “Get Up, Stand up.” The rest of the band is Percussionist Kevin Brownell, drummer Ryan Berty, and keyboardist Patrick O’Shea. Get Wiser also features guest musician work by guitarist Junior Marvin, famous for his work in The Wailers.

The band, however, isn’t entirely about politics. “Rasta Courage” and “True Love” from Peace In a Time of War show the band’s softer side and also a more traditional sounding reggae sound then some of their more harder tracks. The former displays their Rastafarian ideals, while the later tackles romance set to an acoustic lead guitar.

If you’re unsure about how you would feel about SOJA the band has a solution for you. By visiting their website, www.sojamusic.com, anyone can not only sample, but stream their entire discography of albums and EPs. They want you to listen to the music and message-plain and simple.

Soldiers of Jah Army perform at the 8 x 10 Club in Baltimore this Saturday. Fear Nuttin Band is set to open. Tickets are $10 with doors at 8pm. For more information call (410) 625-2000.

– By Rudi Greenberg