Knats - A Great Day In Newcastle (2026)

‘A Great Day in Newcastle’ is musical documentation of the North East working class experience.

Formed by Stan Woodward (bass) and King David-Ike Elechi (drums), Knats first released their self-titled debut album last March. Produced by former Black Midi singer and guitarist Geordie Greep, who also features on the album, A Great Day In Newcastle sees the band revisit their experimental and rock-inspired roots to tell stories from their hometown.

Speaking of the album, Woodward explains: "This album has been a few years of thought and writing in the making. In terms of how could we make a record as a love letter to our hometown, whilst still talking about some of problems working class people in the North East face, without seeming too self-pitiful. When Cooper Robson got involved, everything changed. These instrumental songs I’d been writing about certain specific topics now actually had stories to accompany them, with words delivered from a person who truly loves Newcastle as much as we do. A Great Day in Newcastle is an exploration through happy, sad and angry stories from Newcastle and the beginning of a new sound for Knats."

Commenting on the lead single — which is inspired by the experience of football player Jackie Milburn — Woodward adds: "‘Wor Jackie’ was written at a time when I was reading into the North East coal mining industry, after a conversation with me grandad talking about his time as a pitman. The community aspect amongst the pitman astounded me, given the dangerous nature of the job. The piece, I initially intended to be a moody sort of march, which then evolved with the addition of Cooper Robsons gorgeous poems. The title ‘Wor Jackie’ refers to Newcastle football player Jackie Milburn, who was believed to have done half days in the pit and half on the football pitch, and who I thought would be the perfect character to represent this story."

Alongside longstanding members Sandro Shar (keys) and George Johnson (tenor sax), the band reaches new highs of intensity throughout the 45 minute epic.

Cooper Robson, vocals
Stanley Elvis Woodward, vocals (track 9)
King David Ike-Elechi, vocals (track 9)
Ferg Kilsby, vocals (track 9)
Stanley Elvis Woodward, bass, synthesizer
King David Ike-Elechi, drums, percussion
Ferg Kilsby, trumpet, flugelhorn
Sandro Shargarodsky, piano, keyboards, synthesizer
George Johnson, tenor saxophone
Otto Kampa, alto saxophone
Tom Ford, guitar
Geordie Greep, guitar (tracks 4 and 7)
Josh Mitchell-Rayner, piano (track 1)
Viviane Ghiglino, flute (track 1)
Lucy Rowan, alto flute (track 1)
Frank Barr, clarinet (track 1)
Sebastian Barley, French horn (track 1)
Tobias Amadio, trumpet (track 1)
Bertie Beaman, trombone (track 1)
Dillon Pinder, trombone (track 9)
Enya Barber, violin
Congling Wu, violin
Natalia Solis Paredes, viola
Morgan Key, cello

Tracklist
01 7 Bridges To Burn
02 Gainsborough Grove
03 Wor Jackie
04 Messy-In
05 Azure Blues
06 Bigg Market Scrappa
07 Carpet Doctor
08 Never Gonna Be A Boxer
09 Farewell Johnny Miner