Running with the Dr. Seuss notion that clever rhymes can woo pretty much anybody, Pat & the Hats are conquering the local music scene one swooning fan at a time. Their suave, yet pungent musicianship has caused their 2014 debut album Fake It ‘Till You Make a Hit to make ample waves in the vast pool of New England music – from accruing numerous local awards, to sharing bills with Lake Street Dive and Lucius, the band has achieved more in a year than some bands hope to in five.

As New Hampshire’s resident charmer, charismatic singer/songwriter Patrik Gochez leads the pack of hat-donning rock-pop musicians. Originally formed as a group to support Gochez’s solo album, Heavy Loader, the musicians morphed into a hybrid of Gochez’s solo work and a colorful collaboration of all the band mates to ultimately form Pat and the Hats. Their mix of singer/songwriter musicianship and big-band sound mesh together seamlessly for a brilliant show that lacks absolutely nothing.

While Gochez and his undeniably alluring voice can snag the spotlight at times, his “Hats” are what sell the sound of the band. From the sturdy and infectious bass lines and guitar riffs of Brendan Harisiades and Scott Solsky, to the snappy drumming of Bobby Rice, and the sugary backup vocals of Brittany Laine, the complete sound of the band is an absolute home run - not to mention that Fake It ‘Till You Make a Hit received a helping (and incredibly gifted) hand from Greg Hawkes, The Cars’ keyboardist.

As far as credentials go, Pat & the Hats have been recognized by The New England Music Awards (“Best Pop Act 2014”), Hippo Press (“Best of 2014”), and New Hampshire Magazine (“Best New Band”), and have been featured on NHPR, WNHN, WTBU, and WJYY.

Whether they’re playing to a live audience (which is often), or their music is being spun on Frank FM (also often), their sound remains the same – captivating and complete.

-Victoria Wasylak 
Staff Writer, HOWL Magazine
Music Editor, The Buzz

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