Earning an impressive live reputation on the vibrant and competitive Oxford music scene, Black Hats are Ian Budd (Bass & Vocals), Nick Breakspear (Guitar & Vocals) and Mark Franklin (Drums & Vocals). 2012 saw the band release their successful debut EP, Austerity for the Hoi Polloi (Produced by Sam Williams – Plan B, Supergrass), which garnered praise online from sites such as Muzu.tv, Stereoboard and Red Hot Velvet and received acclaim in local press such as the Oxford Mail and Ocelot Magazine. Their follow-up EP is due this summer. High-profile shows at Truck Festival, Gathering Festival and support slots with Dodgy and NME darlings, Spector, have strengthened support that the band has already had from BBC Introducing Oxfordshire and BBC 6Music (Tom Robinson). Oxford’s respected music journal, Nightshift Magazine, has sighted Black Hats as ‘ahead of the current crop.’ “A tack-sharp collection of quintessentially 21st century alt-rock, drawing complimentary comparisons to Blood Red Shoes, Interpol and The Young Knives.” – Truck Festival (July 2012)
