“they gleefully rewire jazz with a hard-as-nails rhythm section, drum’n’bass energy and punk aggression.” - The Guardian
“jaw-dropping brilliance” - Jazzwise
Newcastle Upon Tyne quintet Knats recently announced details of their much anticipated self-titled debut album. Out physically on 28th February and digitally 28th March via London analogue specialist label Gearbox Records (Elliot Galvin, Cahill//Costello, Village Of the Sun), the album follows their recent single "Tortuga (For Me Mam)" which marked their first release for the label.
"Knats" comes on the heels of an incendiary year for the band including supporting Geordie Greep (black midi) and playing as the backing band for R&B legend Eddie Chacon on UK tours. They also played a sold out Jazz Refreshed headliner, supported Str4ta at a sold Jazz Cafe, and performed at the BBC Proms.
Led by two lifelong best friends from Newcastle, Stan Woodward (bass) and King David-Ike Elechi (drums), Knats pride themselves on making "Geordie Jazz", with sophisticated arrangements, strong melodies and danceable grooves. Their infectious energy has seen the band develop an enviable word-of-mouth ascent, earning Spotify playlist covers and plaudits from the likes of the Guardian, Jazzwise, and more. This debut album marks the beginning of the band's sound, proper. It is a materialisation of the musical journey Stan and King have been on together over the past 10 years, drawn directly from their experiences growing up in the West End of Newcastle upon Tyne—overcoming hardship and figuring things out on their own. Eventually, they found their missing link: the virtuosic young Geordie trumpet player, Ferg Kilsby, who, with his slick melodic ideas, completes the full sound that is Knats.
To mark the announcement, the band shared a new single which is playfully titled "Rumba(r)". As the name suggests, the groove uses elements of the rumba clave, whilst melodically being initially conceived when Stan was in a rum bar (a bar that specialises in rum). The composition is an exploration of simplicity and shows Stan’s love of both 70s and 80s fusion and the melodicism of 20th century romantic music.
In its entirety, this album is dedicated to Knats’ loved ones; Stan’s composition and recent single "Tortuga (For me Mam)" shows his love and appreciation of his Mam, while "Se7en", a darker tune, expresses his emotional relationship with his Dad, formerly "DJ Se7en". "Adaeze" is a tribute to King’s late sister, taken from a gospel folk tune, incorporating West African percussive breaks and instrumentation. Acting as a message to all those who may know someone suffering with mental health to check on those around them and be that helping hand they might need.
The Knats album represents many things, but most importantly that Newcastle is not to be overlooked.
Tracklisting:
1. One For Josh
2. Miz (featuring Anatole Muster)
3. 500 Fils (featuring Parthenope)
4. Black Narcissus
5. Rumba(r)
6. Makina Thema
7. Tortuga (For Me Mam)
8. Se7en (featuring Tom Ford)
9. In The Pitt
10. Adaeze
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