NEW MUSIC
EQUIPPERS WORSHIP
Holy Fire
guitar riffs and Fender Rhodes keyboards all
wrapped around a smooth sounding Gospeltype
choir whose voices blend and lead
together seamlessly.
Groovy bass lines and 70’s disco-esque guitar
riffs serve as the musical foundation for the
toe-tapper “More Than Words” which lyrically
reminds us that as Christians we are called to
show our love for Jesus by what we do, not just
what we say.
Leeland takes the lead on the folkish acoustic
guitar led "Shepherd," which is a Psalm
23-inspired prayer to look to God and "In a
Little While” is a well-written exposition to
Jesus' second coming reminding this reviewer
of a classic Pointer Sisters tune.
“Claim It All” is a creative almost show tune-like
proclamation of Jesus’ victory and is gorgeously
sung by Taylor Browning while on the opposite
end of the musical spectrum is the hip-hop rap
of Aaron Cole’s “Sing a Song- Part 2”.
This is a really fun collection of songs from the
folks at Nashville Life Church. I loved their vision
and musical ingenuity and that they didn’t try
to sound like anyone else. The musicality and
talent here is outstanding and even though
there isn’t a lot of deep spiritually rich lyrics,
it’s still a great collection of songs. There are a
few moments on the album where the “cheesy”
factor tends to take over and I doubt most
worship teams would be able to emulate the
musicality or eclectic style of Nashville Life, but
this is still an album worth taking notice of.
1. Can’t Get Enough
2. Joy
3. Holy Fire
4. With All My Heart
5. Altars
New Zealand based worship outfit, Equippers
Worship is based out of Equippers Church
which has 40 churches worldwide across 11
countries. Their worship collective was started
by long time worship leaders Wayne and Libby
Huirua and their newest release, Holy Fire is a
five song EP whose theme centers around the
goodness and mercy of God in our lives.
Musically, Equippers finds their niche in the
dance/pop genre with most tracks here
featuring 80’s synth, EDM loops and peppy
lyrics that you can’t help tap your foot to as the
album plays out.
“Can’t Get Enough” kicks the EP off with
a vibrant pop dance number about the
undeserved goodness that only our God can
give. “Joy” follows in similar style with 80’s
synth motifs and chorus laden clean guitars in
this dance anthem about allowing our joy and
praise of the Lord to never end, even in the
midst of despair.
The energy comes back a bit in the title track
“Holy Fire” which is a solemn cry for God to
send down His spirit and to change hearts
and minds. “With All My Heart” is the most
intimate moment on the EP with warm pads
and crisp guitar riffs serving as the backdrop as
Worship leader Wayne Huira sings passionately
about how we should hold nothing back in our
worship of Christ.
“Altars” is the standout track and wraps us the
little EP by featuring the angelic voice of worship
leader Leanna Bjorn. Her gorgeous soprano
floats effortlessly amongst the stripped-down
instrumentation as she reminds us that only the
love of Jesus can fill us and make us complete.
Fans of dance pop will enjoy listening to this
collection and others by Equippers Worship.
The instrumentation and digital loops give this
little EP sparkle and help overshadow some of
the simple lyrics. Equippers has some definite
potential for success with what I would assume
would be a younger target audience, but I
would like to see a little more depth of thought
and creativity in their writing.
Gerod Bass
Worship leader in Tacoma, WA. Mentor with Worship
Catalyst. Singer, songwriter, guitarist with a passion
for impacting lives for the sake of the Gospel.
www.oslc.com
August 2020
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