Equus: Forte

By Nick Batt

Christchurch group Equus, aka Intermission aka Abandon have been quietly (well perhaps quietly is the wrong word), working away making music in various line-ups since 1998. Recorded in 2001 at Nightshift Studios, 'Forte’ is the fourth of eight albums that the group themselves have produced. Tim Martin (guitars and vox); Reuben McNabb (bass); Tony Millar (drums) and John Roulston (guitars) are joined by John Bevan (keys); Tom Donaldson (sax); Ben Hawes (trombone) and Andy Henry (trumpet) to create an album that is strong on music and full of surprises. So what’s with all this horsey Equus stuff? There sure ain’t no country here! Equus blend solid guitar rock, funk, reggae and jazz to create a ’70s influenced sound that keeps the foot tapping and the head nodding. Think Cream meets James Brown and Van Morrison’s band and you will maybe get the idea. These guys play extensively through Christchurch and sound like a must see act. For more details on this and their previous albums checkout www.equuslive.co.nz.

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NZ Musician

December/January 2003