Knats

"Geordie Jazz" fusion quintet Knats combine classic improvisational sounds with groovy beats and West African polyrhythms, while consciously remaining distinct from the ubiquitous London scene. The group was formed in Newcastle upon Tyne, England's northernmost city, releasing their debut single, "Modus Operandi," in 2021. Their sound combined the influence of '70s and '80s fusion and smooth jazz with punk aggression, drum'n'bass beats, and West African polyrhythms. Dubbing their music "Geordie Jazz," they made a point of their distinctiveness from the ubiquitous London scene. They toured with Black Midi's Geordie Greep (who later produced their second album) and Eddie Chacon, and were snapped up by Gearbox Records off the back of their performance at the London Jazz Festival. That label released their 2025 eponymous debut album and its 2026 follow-up, A Great Day in Newcastle.