In Print  Home  Directories  Reviews  Get In Touch  Forums  Links  Gig Guide  

Steve Abel: Little Death

The title of Steve Abel's debut album initially evokes a somewhat dark response which is alternatively confirmed and dispelled once the disc starts spinning. Promotional material draws comparison to Nick Cave, and I can see the similarities, without wanting to risk dismissing Abel as a Cave-clone. Richly poetic lyrics journey through brooding thoughtfulness to create a mood that is sometimes dark, sometimes mystical, yet always well crafted, and bordering on the avant-garde. Listening to these songs is like viewing pictures in a gallery - they need time and space to work their effect. Recorded live at Montage studios in Grey Lynn by Nick Abbott, production is sparse yet complete, with collaboration from Goldenhorse's Geoff Maddock, Milan Borich and Mike Hall from Pluto, and Gareth Thomas of Goodshirt renown. However by far the most striking collaborator is Kirsten Morrell, the voice of Goldenhorse, whose vocals on Duet take her far from the pop genre and into a realm that demonstrates her true vocal uniqueness. Over all, a well presented, well crafted album.

Related Information