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Knats’ ‘Bowling Ball’ Is A Strike Against The Far Right
North East collective Knats have released a new single, 'Bowling Ball', written as a direct response to the rise of the far right in the UK. The track continues the group's momentum following their acclaimed debut album, released earlier this year via Fontana/Gearbox, and a well-received performance on Later… with Jools Holland, further cementing their reputation as a distinctive voice blending avant-garde jazz, post-punk and spoken word.
Bassist Stan Woodward said the song was written days after he attended a counter-protest against the EDL on the West Road in Newcastle's west end, describing it as a reaction to "the disgusting rise of the far right across the UK". Poet Cooper Robson contributes spoken word to the track, while the single's artwork was created by comedian Vic Reeves (Jim Moir).
In short
- Knats release 'Bowling Ball', a single opposing the far right
- Written after an anti-EDL counter-protest in Newcastle
- Artwork created by comedian Vic Reeves
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The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The far right represents a genuine and growing threat to democratic norms and vulnerable communities across the UK. Artists have a responsibility to use their platforms meaningfully, and Knats' decision to create music in direct response to this threat is valuable activism that can reach audiences who might otherwise disconnect from political engagement. Music has a respected historical tradition as a vehicle for social change and raising awareness about urgent issues that affect people's rights and safety.
The case against
Whilst extremism is a legitimate concern, the term 'far right' is often applied too broadly to encompass diverse political views on immigration and national identity, which unfairly delegitimises people with different but non-extremist perspectives. Additionally, artists may be most effective when prioritising artistic integrity over explicit political messaging, which can feel performative or alienate audiences rather than persuade them. Protest music, whilst cathartic, may ultimately prove less effective at addressing root causes than substantive policy engagement or community work.
Explained simply
Knats are a North East collective who create music blending avant-garde jazz, post-punk and spoken word. The group released their debut album earlier this year to critical acclaim and recently performed on the television programme Later… with Jools Holland, establishing themselves as a distinctive contemporary voice.
The United Kingdom has experienced a rise in far-right activism in recent years, with the English Defence League (EDL) among groups organising demonstrations. Counter-protests have been staged in response to these activities across different cities and regions.
The group's bassist Stan Woodward attended a counter-protest against the EDL in Newcastle, an experience that prompted the collective to create a song responding to the rise of the far right. The track features contributions from their poet Cooper Robson, and the artwork was created by comedian and visual artist Vic Reeves.