After a near fatal accident in January 2011, Akron’s The Taxidermy Special is on its way to being alive and well as a band. The hospitalization of drummer Joe McGee motivated the other members to remain active as a group and bring people together. Both Benjamin Patrick and Will Cardina alternate between guitar, bass and vocals, as Ben’s brother, Logan, acts as a temporary fill-in on drums. “In a way, we cheated death,” Ben said. “The experience brought us closer as a band.” McGee and Cardina have played together since early high school—McGee being the only drummer Cardina has ever worked with. The three musicians have played in previous bands, but said this was the first time they felt a strong sense of chemistry. “The times I saw Ben play, he would play my kind of songs,” Cardina said. “That helped when we started a band.” The members explained the concept of The Taxidermy Special is to preserve the spirit of the past and the type of music they play. “We’re not trying to rip it off or do things done before,” Cardina said, “just preserve the idea and keep it around.” Influenced by all previously recorded music, such as Elvis Presley, Howlin’ Wolf and music of the 60s, The Taxidermy Special’s sound is classic, but with a contemporary edge. “We try to keep it tasteful,” Cardina said. Ben agreed, adding, “It’s jungle-funk that will make your ears bleed.” The band collaborates on the music and lyrics: one will write a draft of a song and show it to the other members for input, or the musicians will jam while one plays and another spontaneously sings to it. “It’s a group effort,” Ben said. “It starts as an idea, and then grows and expands.” The Taxidermy Special hopes to play more shows in the local area before pursuing its ultimate goal of going on tour. “We want to hit hard local in Cleveland, Akron and Kent, then take it to neighboring states,” Ben said. “Being on the road is something for us personally.” The members view their shows as self-expression and a form of self-entertainment. The band warns the audience to expect the unexpected. “We keep it fresh because I get bored with repetition,” Ben said.  “There’s definitely a whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on.” The band plans to keep producing good music from Akron, and hopes to get more people excited about live music and the local scene in general. “We want to motivate them to see us and other bands,” Ben said. “It’s fun when you get a crowd out to see local musicians.” Playing for the purpose of maximum exposure to the world, The Taxidermy Special wants to spread the word as much as possible. “It’s not a rather large band, but a rather large idea,” Cardina said. “There’s a lot of room we fill with only three people.” The band previously recorded in the studio but wasn’t satisfied with the overall sound quality. The members said they’d prefer to record it themselves or find someone with the right equipment. “We’re looking for that garage basement feel,” Ben said. “And the studio has too many options or possibilities.” The Taxidermy Special is finalizing some new recordings to give away for free at local record stores and wants to release an EP in Summer 2011. Check out The Taxidermy Special’s Facebook for more official material and any additional information. The band is booked to play with White Pines and Cains & Abels April 28 at Akron’s Musica, as well as at Kent’s Stone Tavern on May 14. “Plan to see three snappy gentlemen dressed sharply, and a hot, sweaty show,” Ben said. Written By Alisa Manna