Every so often you come across an artist that surprises you that he is unknown and unsigned. I mean it baffles me beyond belief that Rob Dickens aka Taxidermy Hall isn’t a household name!…
Then again we are dealing with a record industry that tends to sit on its hands and regurgitate cover versions of songs into “the charts” because a TV show called The Voice has been doing well. I mean who gives a shit about Seal and his greatest hits album…really!? Can we not support artists who are writing their own tracks and trying to get their own material to the masses. It’s hard enough as it is for an independent artist without shallow media attention on something that will fly by as quickly as it flew in.
It’s true what your parents use to nag about… ‘You’ve got to get an education!” …and that’s what what this school The Holding Pattern is all about! Educating the masses about the amazing amount of independent music out there!
Point in case, Taxidermy Hall.
As soon as I heard Swimming In A Snow Globe I was hooked. Intimate, fresh, unique and sexy. Track after track seemed to release a wonderful mind set of musical arrangements and catchy melodies, so much that I bought a copy personally!
After years of different bands, different sounds, and different instruments, Taxidermy Hall has come together as the single musical thought from Rob Dickens, born Devonport, Auckland, now ex-pat living in Melbourne.

Taxidermy Hall has been described as the sound of 4am in your headphones, the sound of driving in summer. It’s indie, it’s pop and it’s full of soft synth to sleep or smile or sing to.
Yes true..it is. But its a bit more deeper than that.
I found that this album was a journey through your senses. Reminiscent to V.A.S.T, remember that amazing sonic outfit in the late 90′s early 00′s that was also the brain child of one man Jon Crosby. A synergy is here, and an attraction of many fantastic distorted sounds melding together with sonic wavelengths as in ‘Autographs’ that bleeds into a fantastic Sigur Ros like guitar riff only to be released by Dickens smooth vocal attack.
Autographs

There is definitely a wonderful synth sound here in this album. One that an early morning walk after a large night will only remedy. Like one of my favourite songs ‘Pan’ which I’ve selected to headline our Spotlight section. If a young Robert Downey Jnr could of had this as a backdrop to one of his cult 80′s film’s he would have, a wonderful uplifting positive track that will please anyone at any hour of the day!
Pan
‘Lasting Words (feat. Winston & Goldstein)’ has been selected as the second track you should listen to as I believe it’s a perfect introduction to Taxidermy Hall. Sexy, fresh, unique and complete. Supported by some sultry female vocals (Winston & Goldstein) this track weaves its way through your senses with an hypnotic electro bass line and programmed beats.
Lasting Words

Another gem from this Album is the hauntingly beautiful track ‘Gambler.’ Such a simple and beautiful track folded by piano and the hint of disarray with the swirling of distorted guitars and strings. By midway through this track an opening happens and Dickens releases his smooth vocals and catchy melodies to drift you away into the clouds.
Gambler

Other notable tracks is the electro machine like neurotic stylings of ‘R.U.M.O.U.R.S’… a must listen!

- Nick Arnold

We welcome Taxidermy Hall to The Holding Pattern…. and are proud to have him as our Spotlight Artist Of The Week. Expect big things to come…
Swimming In A Snow Globe is available NOW…and for $3.00 is a no brainer!
You can listen to the album here:
Swimming In A Snow Globe
Or on your phone!
www.holdingpattern.com