Sounding like a local garage band, I would expect Equus would have a large local following and be the biggest thing to hit pubs and taverns in recent years.
Hind legs is a New Zealand album. In saying this I note the innocence of the lyrics and the vocals, not bad, but no Jim Morrison (but then again who is?). The distinguished rawness of the structures of the songs, defined bridges and choruses which are commonly accompanied by trumpets.
My favourite song is ‘Happiness Says’. It has a deep riff which rolls with a smooth vocal line. The thing I like about this album is the songs and lyrics seem so innocent, but some of the underlining themes in the songs are quite deep and sometimes political. (“The bombs will drop today”) In saying this I would approach listening to this album in an optimistic way. Listen to all the words and detach each lyric for its meaning, which will in turn create a more powerful and in depth album than given on face value. ‘If The Shoe Fits’ also presents some interesting themes, and it is exciting to see some more meaningful lyric writing being produced from artists at a local level.
The last track- ‘Beauty In The Sound’ is noted for being the direction of the band in recent times, so this is an exciting time for Equus fans. I have a soft spot for females who play their voices like instruments, and when accompanied by soft trumpets, it is a beautiful thing. I’m looking forward to hearing more of this band in the direction they are going, because the final track on Hind legs is an inspirational piece.
Craig Johnson
