Equilibrium Announce Winning Smokefree Rockquest Single Release ‘Rumination’
Ōtautahi-based jazz metal band Equilibrium are excited to announce the release of their debut single Rumination on Friday 26 June, following their win in the Smokefree Rockquest band category last year.
Blending jazz harmony, progressive metal and pop-rock influences, Equilibrium became the first instrumental act in Smokefree Rockquest’s 38-year history to take out the national title. The band features Corban Blackwell (guitar), Alex Gibson (keyboard & saxophone), Wonie Park (bass), and Finley Tressler (drums). All members remain in high school, with the exception of Finley, who is now studying a Bachelor of Music majoring in Jazz Performance at the University of Canterbury.
Recorded, produced and mixed by Clint Murphy at Orange Studios, and mastered by Ryan Smith, Rumination captures the band’s unique and innovative sound through intricate musicianship and immersive melodies. The composition takes listeners on an intense and captivating journey from the first riff to the guitar solo finale.
Guitarist Corban Blackwell reflects on the track;
“Throughout Rumination there’s fast-paced, complex melodies sitting on intense, crushing drum and bass lines. As an instrumental track, listeners are brought together and pulled down into dark heavy beats, sax and guitar runs, as well as unexpected stops and restarts, providing lift and excitement throughout the piece.
We hope that everyone can find a piece of themselves within the music and return time and time again to experience the depth and passion in the song.”
Alex, who doubles on keys and sax, adds;
“We’re hugely excited to finally share our first single with our fans. Since winning the 2025 Smokefree Rockquest National Final, we’ve been working hard on growing momentum and building our community of listeners. The accompanying music video, which features a live rendition of the track, feels really authentic to us as composers and instrumentalists.”
Made with support from NZ On Air, Rumination is accompanied by a striking music video filmed by Imaginary Friends videographer Dave Thomson at Christchurch’s iconic Great Hall, providing a dramatic backdrop that matches the scale of the music and ambition of their performance.
The release marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the group as they continue to develop their sound and build on the momentum generated by a growing social media following (5M+ views, 19K+ followers).
Rumination and the accompanying music video will be available from Friday 26 June.
Photo L-R: Finley Tressler, Alex Gibson, Wonie Park, Corban Blackwell
