Little Death

Fittingly, the title track and first single "Little Death" epitomizes the kind of love lost songs that comprise Auckland musician Steve Abel's remarkable first album release. Abel's sleepy low-toned lilt begins the song and as a cymbal eases in, so do the gentle harmonies of Kirsten Morell, lead singer from accomplished Kiwi group Goldenhorse.

Abel's songs are poetic and direct, and they've been captured with all the presence and purity that a live studio recording brings. The core 4 tracks, including 'Little Death', were recorded, mixed and produced by London-based engineer Nick Abbott at Montage Studios in Grey Lynn. Most tracks had only vocal harmonies added after the initial takes.

Kirsten Morell is just one of the familiar voices and names featured on the album, lending her presence to the heart-rending "Duet" and the stomping "Ghost Of God" as well. The core members of the Steve Abel Band [& the live line-up] are: Morell's Goldenhorse cohort Geoff Maddock, formerly of Bressa Creeting Cake and NZ's top guitar melodist. Here his guitar lines glide with impeccable clarity and his distinctive voice can be heard on four tracks, including "Sweetheart".

Pluto's frontman Milan Borich plays drums with a fantastic feel and his bandmate Mike Hall deftly intones on double bass, while Gareth Thomas of Goodshirt plays the accordion like an ambient synthesizer. And that's the impressive band.

Though stylistically comparable to Nick Cave or Will Oldham aka Bonnie 'Prince' Billy, Abel's voice, lyrics and approach are uniquely his own. Evidence provided by the final track on the album, 'Hospice For Destitute Lovers', recorded as the closing track for Florian Habicht's film noir feature 'Woodenhead' ~ a gorgeous alt indie journey and a standout track.

The first-run of the album is an individually numbered limited edition issue of 1000, with lyric book and gorgeous design.