EP Review: Peace Be The Journey

Big Sima is definitely one of Aotearoa’s most exciting voices in Hip Hop, and with Peace Be The Journey, he continues to show why. Rooted in live performance and shaped by the energy of collaboration, this EP blends dub, rock, and classic hip hop influences into something that feels fresh and real.

The opening track, Keep Peace, kicks things off with a solid dub feel. The horns lay down a strong melodic foundation, and at over six minutes long, the track really sets the tone for the rest of the EP – it’s more about creating a vibe than hitting you with something short and sharp. It invites you in and gives you time to settle into the sound.

Next up, All Day brings a heavier rock edge. The guitar riff really drives the track, and combined with the horns, it gives the song a full, energetic feel. Big Sima’s flow is on point here – especially in the verses, where the quick-fire delivery shows his lyrical agility. It’s a track that hits hard and would go off live.

92 Bells opens with a classic electric piano sound – that signature bell tone – before dropping into a groove that nods to old school East Coast hip hop. It still sounds uniquely New Zealand though, with a spacious production that leaves room for the bars to land. There’s something here that reminds me of Jurassic 5, but it’s not derivative – it’s just that same mix of laid-back flow and tight rhythmic control.

What’s The Move leans back into dub territory, but Big Sima keeps the energy up with strong verses and a layered, harmonically rich chorus. Each verse brings something a little different, and the mix is tight – you can hear the attention to detail in how each part is delivered and balanced.

Closing the EP is Bring Change, and it finishes things off with a big, powerful feel. The verses come fast, but they’re delivered with purpose. There’s passion in every line, and the chorus helps lift the message even further. It’s a strong end to a well-structured set of tracks.

What really stands out about Peace Be the Journey is how well it captures Big Sima’s strengths – thoughtful lyricism, live energy, and a willingness to explore different sounds while staying true to the sound. The band bring a tight, dynamic sound that supports the message without overpowering it. When in a live situation I know the music would move the crowd and give the band time to explore the songs differently each time.

This isn’t just a studio project – it’s music built to be performed, shared, and felt. Big Sima is clearly focused on the long game, and this release is another strong step on that journey.