Little Death

Auckland, 18 January 2006:

Fittingly, the title track and first single "Little Death" epitomises 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 Goldenhorse's Kirsten Morell.

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 on Waitangi weekend in 2003 at Montage Studios in Grey Lynn. Most tracks merely had vocal harmonies added after the initial takes.

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 (and the live line-up) are: Morell's Goldenhorse cohort Geoff Maddock, formerly of Bressa Creeting Cake and New Zealand'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 front man Milan Borich plays drums with a fantastic feel and his Pluto band-mate Mike Hall deftly intones on double bass. Gareth Thomas of Goodshirt renown plays the accordion like an ambient synthesiser. That's the band.

Though stylistically comparable to Nick Cave or Will Oldham, Abel's voice, lyrics and approach are uniquely his own.

The album's final track: "Hospice for Destitute Lovers," was recorded in 2001 as the closing track of Florian Habicht's film noir feature Woodenhead. It features Li Ming Hu of the Tokey Tones on violin, Mike Beehre of Goodshirt on drums, Bevan Larsen of the Headless Chickens added bass and Mardi Potter sings.

The first run of the nine-track album is an individually numbered limited edition issue of 1000. The run includes a 16 page lyric book and is based on a striking design by Nick Eagles, using a distinctive lithograph of a tui, from 1777. The album is being distributed by Rhythmethod and will be available in stores from 20 February.

Launch gig for the album: Auckland, Schooner Tavern, Friday February 24.

Contact Mike Keating for interviews or other enquiries on: 09 376 5780