Proof That “Unhinged” Is A Valid Artistic Choice.

Weird Music Wednesday: “Wor Jackie” by Knats

Jul 01, 2026

A Great Day In Newcastle finds Knats at a pivotal juncture in their discography, marking a distinct shift away from the tentative experimentation of their early output toward a more assertive, deliberate identity. They’ve traded in some of the polite restraint of their earlier work for a sprawling, unkempt energy that suits them far better, and demonstrates a newfound confidence in structural tension and instrumental interplay. It is the kind of progression that makes you wonder if they finally stopped taking advice from people who care about “cohesion” and instead are carving out a niche that relies on unpredictability and structural risk-taking..

The musicianship driving A Great Day In Newcastle is defined by a sophisticated tension between the band’s technical prowess and their commitment to a raw, regional aesthetic. What began as a rhythm-heavy duo between bassist Stan Woodward and drummer King David Ike-Elechi has blossomed into an expansive ensemble that defies the limitations of traditional jazz. The rhythm section remains the engine room, providing a complex, driving foundation that allows their collaborators the necessary freedom to navigate intricate improvisational passages. The inclusion of poet Cooper Robson further complicates and elevates the band’s musical identity.

The record dances through genres with the grace of a caffeinated toddler in a room full of breakables, but for me, the peak of this delightful madness is “Wor Jackie.” This track isn’t just an outlier; it is the resident alien of the album. It sits there, stubbornly refusing to obey the laws of rhythm or good taste, opting instead to let those frictions define the listening experience. While the rest of the album is content to explore standard musical avenues, “Wor Jackie” takes a sharp turn into a cul-de-sac of pure, unadulterated absurdity. It stands out because it manages to be simultaneously annoying and impossible to skip, and serves as a litmus test for the listener’s willingness to follow the band into their most abstract territory.