Patrick's Head

Patrick's Head has a sound that is hard to define. Recent reviews have called their music "Folk-Punk" and also "Ferocious Folk", but if you ask the band they'll tell you... It's just Rock N' Roll. Their memorable melodies and foot-stomping rhythms have been winning fans all over Philadelphia. The buzz only got louder with their second release, A Mild Case of Something Weird; As well as a bunch of sold-out shows at venues like the prestegious World Cafe Live. The release of their newest album, "Traditional Gentlemen of the Road", has caused a Grass Roots groundswell and garnered regional airplay on AAA stations like WXPN as well as Pop stations like WSTW.

Patrick's Head blends American Roots Rock with Irish Folk and a Punk Rock Sensibility. Throaty acoustic sounds mix with distorted under-currents of electric guitar making the perfect foundation for lyrics full of desperate joy and smoldering heartache. “Their songs make you want to jump in your car and find a lost love” stated one long time fan. The songs are energetic with hidden sadness, celebratory but with tinges of angst, and most importantly once you hear them… you can’t get them out of your head.

Dublin-born singer John Byrne gave up one childhood dream - playing professional football (soccer to us Yanks) - to pursue another, becoming the next Dylan. He moved himself and his acoustic guitar to Philadelphia where he started playing music in watering-holes around the city. He took up residence as a bartender to pay the bills. Meanwhile, Patrick Mansfield was closing a successful run in the Euro-punk scene in Greece, brought to an abrupt end when half of his band was drafted into the Greek army. Upon returning to his Philly roots, he met John by ordering a whiskey. Soon they found they had a lot in common. The final ingredient: soldier-turned-hippie, Scott Wikander. He left the cover-dominated Jersey Shore music scene in search of original music. Byrne spotted Wikander’s long hair seated at his bar and immediately asked: “Do you play guitar?”
Patrick’s Head was born.

After a brief stint as a Pop/Punk 5-piece band, the three decided to strip down and simplify their music. Trading their rhythm section for an acoustic guitar and tambourine while maintaining the over-driven lead guitar, their angry punk songs took on a whole new flavor; Something akin to what might have happened if Dylan and the Velvet Underground had hung out more back in ’66. They recorded their first CD, Conversation with Baby, in 2001. This somber and haunting collection has been likened to both VU and Pink Floyd, which explains why film-maker Pat Rodio chose to use two of its songs in his poignant family drama West River Drive. Their 2003 release, Mild Case, is more up-tempo with powerful backbeats and light-hearted melodies. The new CD, Traditional Gentlemen, has an Alt-Country flavor that really incorporates the members' classic influences - both American & Irish. Their live performances – right at home in a smokey bar - reveal strong roots in both rock and blues. The music will motivate you to order one more whiskey than you probably should.