Listen to Mike Hall's (Pluto) Debut Solo Album 'Nothing Stands Still'

Sometimes, loss creates an opportunity. After seven years of history and recordings were lost due to a stolen hard drive left in his car in 2018, Mike Hall was prompted to make something tangible from the event. That process culminated into today’s debut solo record Nothing Stands Still —nine tracks that feel as authentic as much as polished. Recorded with Jol Mulholland at the Oven, the Tāmaki Makaurau singer /multi-instrumentalist reworked some of what he remembered into something new.

Core member of Pluto, former singer of hardcore punks Balance and bassist with such local heroes as The Brunettes, Dimmer, and Tami Neilson, Hall displays emotional vulnerability in songs like ‘Shortest Straw’ and ‘Time’ but also humour in ‘Nothing To Do’. The latter details the artist shopping online for some questionable items (listen out for the crazy list) perhaps as a metaphor for romantic desperation. It's easy to relish in the simple but beautiful chord movements in ‘Good Will’ and the bluesy rock guitar conservations in ‘Stop Dragging Me Round’.

Much of the guitar and drums were the touch of Mulholland, with keys from Matthias Jordan. Guitarist Brett Adams and drummer Alistair Deverick’s skills guest star on a track or two as well. Hall has already sold out an album release show happening next month at Freida Margolis, with support from Xani Hall. Hopefully, there’ll be more lined up for this brilliant collection for the near future. Nab the vinyl LP from Bandcamp HERE before those pesky thieves think of making a return…

Mike Hall - Nothing Stands Still Album Release Show w/ Xani Hall
Wednesday 18th September - Freida Margolis, Auckland [sold out]

Watch the scenic lyric video for 'Stop Dragging Me Round'...

'Nothing Stands Still' is out today on vinyl LP via Bandcamp.