Alt-folk rocker Steve Abel started playing the guitar at 15, before progressing to writing his own songs. He wowed critics with his debut album Little Death in 2006. It featured a host of Kiwi talent, including Goldenhorse's Kirsten Morell, on ‘Duet (Lonely I Be)' and was named 2006 Alternatui Album of the Year. Teaming up with his band the Chrysalids, Abel's last album Flax Happy was also well received, described by one laconic Kiwi reviewer as "Wonderful. Actually, beyond wonderful."