Steve Abel & The Chrysalids Flax Happy www.abelsong.com Review: Malcolm Phillipps Released: 19/05/08

Flax Happy is the sophomore album from Steve Abel & The Chrysalids. It follows in the not insignificant foot-steps of Little Death, one of New Zealand music’s shining lights in 2006.

Flax Happy comprises 13 tracks of Abel’s own distinctive baritone and acoustic guitar, delivering an intimate collection which is an intriguing blend of both Kiwiana and Americana folk/rock.

Complementing Abel’s own talents is his very own 'kiwi supergroup' backing band, containing members from Pluto, Goldenhorse, Dimmer and Goodshirt... not a bad roll call. However it is the guest vocals of Jolie Holland and Anika Moa which really make this album stand out – their harmonic contrast to Abel’s deep vocals is a joy.

Perhaps the best compliment to pay here is that trying to single out the essential tracks is so hard, I feel like I’m being unfaithful to the other tracks.... oh well, what they don’t know...


Essential Tracks
Sally
Cinders of the Sun
Flax Happy (Anomie)
Pin of Love

Full Track Listing
1. Sally (3:08)
2. Haven (3:41)
3. Lonely Babylon (4:37)
4. Sad Girls (3:01)
5. Cinders of the Sun (3:38)
6. Crushed Ants (6:22)
7. Deborah (2:20)
8. Flax Happy (Anomie) (4:33)
9. Pin of Love (Ka Pinea Koe) (4:44)
10. Gone (3:29)
11. Anomie Reprise (1:44)
12. Heart of Misery (5:03)
13. Frail (3:44)