About The Music...

A bit like the paradox implied in the name, King Never's music sits comfortably at the intersection of ambient, alternative and progressive rock. Fans of King Crimson, David Sylvian, The Police, The Fixx, Robert Fripp, Brian Eno, U2, Coldplay, Porcupine Tree and the Decemberists should feel right at home. Confused? Think...pop songs with catchy melodies, long intros, ambient soundscapes, odd time signatures here and there, and left-of-center guitar work. Better yet, just listen to the music and decide for yourself! 

The Name...

Taken from a passage of Fyodor Dostoevsky's classic novel Crime and Punishment.

Who...

King Never is Matt McCabe (vocals, guitar, and guitar loops), Jordan Reading (bass and bass pedals) and Evan Parandes (drums).

The Story...

Circa 1995. King Never begins its conceptual life as an outlet for guitarist Matt McCabe's explorations in real-time looping techniques following the demise of Able Cain. With the help of some borrowed equipment, Ambient Guitar Noise: Volume 1 was recorded in 1996.

During the Summer of 1996, an unsuspecting public was treated to a rare live performance as part of the "Shakespeare in the Park" pre-show production in Chico, CA.

In 1998, King Never contributed guitar tracks to Farewell To Juliet's Grace & Dire Circumstances. The release featured King Never's haunting ambient loops tucked into the mix and a blistering guitar solo on "Bittersweet."

Also in 1998, King Never contributed a track for the Looper's Delight Volume 2 Compilation CD. "EndLoop" begins with a peaceful ambient soundscape that is eventually intersected with a sustaining guitar melody. This melody eventually morphs into an emotionally charged and almost atonal guitar solo before coming to a crashing halt.

Following the successful release of Ambient Guitar Noise: Volume 1 in 2000, King Never was asked to contribute a track for the forthcoming Mannequin Oddio Media Voices & Machines compilation CD. The CD, finally released in 2002, gained positive reviews for King Never's mellow ambient track, "The Waiting."

With the help of a few valued collaborators, King Never released Orphans, Misfits & Fragments in 2004. The album received critical praise for its song-based compositions that ranged from ambient soundscapes to modern rock songs with an experimental edge.

In 2007, King Never returned to its ambient roots and released an album of ambient guitar loops and textures entitled Lullabies & Sleepless Nights.

In 2010, King Never released Possibilities - a concept album featuring alternative and progressive rock songs. After the album release, McCabe recruited bassist Jordan Reading and drummer Evan Parandes for the band.