EP Review: We Built This World With Aroha

A little over a year ago, I sat down for a kōrero with Tim Driver of Ōtautahi duo Dillastrate, who explained that their mahi was intended as a “movement to uplift and amplify Te Reo Māori and Te Ao Māori through music using a unique blend of genres,” a kaupapa that lay at the heart of their 2024 album Ngā Pounamu. Since first emerging from the late Aaron Tokona’s AHoriBuzz and releasing their debut EP Black Diamond, the pair (Henare ‘H’ Kaa – lead vocals/drums – and Tim Driver – keyboard/bass synth/loops/vocals) have continually expanded their musical reach through their self‑titled album (2019), their EP’s – Black Diamond (2017), Narrative EP (2021) – and their 2024 follow‑up Ngā Pounamu, building a dedicated audience as five of their singles broke into the Aotearoa New Zealand Top 20 and their work found regular placement on international editorial playlists.

Their growth has been matched by increasing industry recognition, including winning the 2025 Silver Scroll Tohu Maioha for Kei Whati Te Marama, and their latest project, the We Built This World With Aroha EP continues their evolution with another serving of warm, vibrant soul, electronica, roots packed with uplifting energy. All that reinforces them as key voices in our musical landscape, something we really need, especially at a time when there is so much negativity and distrust about these days.

After hints, teases and nudges on the socials, their new EP has finally dropped. As the EP’s title suggests, this is a continuation of their commitment to Aroha, compassion and moreover connection, concepts that remain at the heart of what they do. Some bands have a political or social message behind them – anger, angst, insensitivity, frustration. Dillastrate release music that oozes with positivity, looking for the good in the world.

In all these waiata, the band move seamlessly between te reo Māori and English. But it’s more in the former that the real music comes through, with the phrasing working so perfectly with the instrumentation – it’s as if each word has its own special note or harmony.

“When it’s cold we walk through fire / we build a world with aroha” goes the title track. A beautiful campfire sentiment. “Tō aroha / Tō wairua / Kia maumahara / Ko tēnei te wā”. I can see this becoming a wedding song, with nods to the power of two, taking on the world together, building a life, the strength in a relationship fused by love. “Two hearts better than one, better than none, better than by myself”.

Then there’s the sweet soul chocolate biscuit, So In Love (which comes in te reo Māori and English versions). Layers of velvety caramel vocals, rich dark soul, and a smooth lick of yacht rock schmooze. Perfect for an after-dinner Valentine’s slow dance.

Wairua is powerful and eternal. It looks back to move forward. With the appropriate lines: “Nō ngā tupuna i tuku iho / Mauira mai taku kete / Tēnei haerenga – kua rite / Listen to the pūrerehua / Echo the call of my tupuna / Tēnei haerenga – kua rite” (From the ancestors I inherited / My bag is here / This journey – it’s done / Listen to the butterfly / Echo the call of my ancestors / This journey – it’s done). This journey is one of love, I think. Or to find one’s soul. The song addresses contemporary challenges, like political divisions, hate, fake news. “Te mana o te iwi, ka mau pūmau / He tai kūware ka timu, timu kau noa e / He tai rangatira, ka pari / Kia ruku i ngā tai mahara o taku iwi” ( The power of the people, it will be held firmly / A tide of ignorance will rise, it will rise only slowly / A tide of nobility, it will rise / To dive into the tides of my people’s memories).

It suggests a cleansing, through Moana (the Pacific Ocean), where we all will return some day. “He awa whira hei puretia, Te Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa”. ( A river of water to purify, the Pacific Ocean).

I found the imagery in this waiata to be particularly inspiring. Sometimes I like to run, listening to music and this gorgeous mid-tempo track, in particular, was the perfect accompaniment. Like the pūrerehua it floats across the ears, buoyed by Lucy Ward’s honeyed backing vocals. When I’d finished, I felt renewed, ready to take on the world. Ka pai for that!

Moving into the dub space, Feel That Aio (peace, calm) might have that big stadium feel. It’s a perfect sing along, live the bass thumping, hands waving, people swaying in time. Positive energy throbs throughout.

But it’s also an invitation to unwind – to settle your thoughts and find your centre. It’s music you can approach in a different state of mind, and if you’re looking for a lift, just slip on your ‘phones and let yourself drift away.

I love the lines: “Te awhi i tō tinana / Te hau whakatere waka / Tō reo ki taku taringa / E tau ai taku manawa” (Embracing your body / The wind that sails the canoe / Your voice in my ear / My heart is at peace). For me this is a sailing theme, out on a waka drifting across a still lake, the gentle wind and sun on my back. Poetry is soothing and embracing. Melt into these good vibes.

Production on this disc is ‘sweet as!’ That’s thanks to time at Neil Finn’s Roundhead Studios, with long-time collaborator (and Grammy-nominated) producer Rory Noble (Kanye West, Jason Derulo, Ty Dolla $ign, Burna Boy). You can’t fault it. Noble’s added just enough extra soul-candy flava to make these cuts even more delicious each time you spin them.

This EP is not enough. I want more of that uplifting waiata. You can’t help feeling refreshed after listening. Do yourself a favour. Put your screen on dark and slip this on the sound system and release the positive grooves. Everyone will thank you for it. Ngā mihi mō tēnei waiata.