Hartlepool-based quartet NEEB have always embodied evolution. Over two decades, founding members Mark Hand, Mark Lloyd, and Tony Waite have moved fluidly between genres, shifting from dub-infused electronica through breakbeat, house, and jazzy breaks, before landing firmly in the contemporary jazz-soul space. Their debut full-length album, Take To The Sky, released October 2025, represents both a culmination and a fresh beginning. With the addition of vocalist and guitarist Jasmine Weatherill, NEEB’s sound has transformed into something richly textured, deeply soulful, and strikingly atmospheric.
At its core, Take To The Sky is an acid jazz record that thrives on interplay: the dialogue between Weatherill’s intimate vocal delivery and Hand’s Rhodes and synth textures, between Waite’s steady bass arrangements and Lloyd’s jazz-informed percussive drive. This is not simply groove-based music; it’s a sonic architecture built on layering, subtle tension, and moments of expansive release. The record’s atmosphere oscillates between late-night introspection and wide-open, soaring soundscapes, fully justifying its title.
The album opens with the title track, Take To The Sky, immediately establishing the group’s fusion of rhythm and atmosphere. Lloyd’s drums maintain a crisp, syncopated pulse, while Hand’s Rhodes chords expand into hazy warmth. Waite’s bassline grounds the track with understated confidence, allowing Weatherill’s vocal lines to float above in shimmering contrast. The addition of synth drones and airy textures creates an expansive sound world—inviting listeners into a space that is both grounded and ethereal.
The Way I Do follows with a more intimate, soul-driven core. Weatherill’s lyrics and phrasing are central here, supported by subtle harmonic shifts on Rhodes and an almost tactile bass presence. There is restraint in the production, which highlights the natural timbre of her voice. The rhythmic structure avoids predictability; Lloyd’s drumming veers between groove and ornamentation, leaving pockets of silence that emphasize the emotional weight of each phrase.
Cave of Hands, one of the pre-released singles, is a masterclass in rhythmic layering. Martin Ditcham’s guest percussion adds intricate textures that dance around the main groove, offering flashes of syncopation that keep the track constantly evolving. The synth presence here leans darker and more mysterious, with swelling pads that create an atmosphere of subterranean exploration. Weatherill’s vocals are almost incantatory, blending with the instrumentation rather than sitting on top of it, giving the track a hypnotic edge.
On Visions, NEEB lean into the dreamlike qualities of their sound. Synth arpeggios intertwine with Rhodes flourishes, and the rhythm section pulls back into a slow, spacious groove. The atmosphere feels cinematic, as though the band were painting with sound rather than simply performing. Each instrument has its space, yet the whole is cohesive, allowing the listener to sink into a meditative flow.
The album’s midpoint, All Caught Up, captures the balance between groove and soul that defines the band’s identity. Waite’s bass is particularly prominent here, locking into Lloyd’s sharp percussion with fluid elegance. Hand’s keys provide harmonic colour, while Weatherill’s delivery conveys both vulnerability and resilience. It’s a track that highlights the group’s ability to be simultaneously accessible and complex, danceable yet contemplative.
Time is Elastic shifts gears with rhythmic experimentation. The percussive interplay here is central, exploring elasticity in tempo and syncopation. The synths shimmer with metallic edges, contrasting the warmth of Rhodes chords. This is one of the most forward-thinking pieces on the album, demonstrating NEEB’s willingness to challenge structures while retaining emotional depth.
Wasted introduces a more melancholic tone. Weatherill’s voice carries a weight that resonates against the minimalistic arrangement. The rhythm section is sparse, but the atmospheric synth work fills the space with an ambient glow, creating a haunting yet beautiful contrast.
The closing track, Brighter Day, already familiar as a single, is a fitting conclusion. Optimistic yet grounded, it gathers the threads of the album into a unified statement. Percussion, bass, synth, and voice converge with a sense of resolution, suggesting not an ending but the promise of further exploration.
What defines Take To The Sky is its mastery of rhythm and atmosphere. The band’s decades of experience across genres are distilled into a sound that is both precise and organic, layered yet uncluttered. The synths are never ornamental; they serve as structural elements, shaping mood and texture. The rhythm section anchors each piece with sophistication, balancing drive and subtlety. Weatherill’s vocals, meanwhile, provide the emotional core—her delivery is nuanced, shifting effortlessly from intimate whispers to soaring declarations.
As a debut album, Take To The Sky feels remarkably assured. It showcases not just technical proficiency, but a collective vision honed by years of collaboration and exploration. The result is a release of high quality that deserves recognition within the UK jazz-soul scene and beyond. It is a record that rewards close listening, yet never loses its groove.
With Take To The Sky, NEEB have crafted a work that feels timeless and contemporary in equal measure. This is music that moves the body and engages the mind, an album that lives in rhythm, synth, and soul. We are glad to host it here, as it signals the arrival of a band fully in command of their art.