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King Never

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Biography

King Never is a rock band influenced by ambient, new wave, and progressive rock, based in Loomis, California, USA (near Sacramento). Our songs features intelligent, thought provoking lyrics, and slightly left of center musical arrangements.  Imagine if members of the Police and the Fixx infiltrated King Crimson and Minus The Bear. 

The name King Never comes from a passage of Fydor Dostoevsky's classic novel Crime and Punishment. 

Founded in 1995, King Never began its conceptual life as an outlet for guitarist Matt's explorations in real-time looping techniques.  Over time, King Never morphed into a "full band" studio project featuring many guest collaborators, including Able Cain alumni Greg Asher and Jordan Reading, Jeff Elbel (Ping), Jake Wood (Super Adventure Club), Evan Parandes, and Kristy McCabe.   

Around May 2012, King Never became a true band.  After ignoring a co-worker's suggestion to audition his brother, who was "pretty good on bass," for far too long, Matt finally met bassist Karl Lane.  Karl joined on the spot.  After a handful of auditions, drummer Scott Gontjes was added to the lineup. 

Shortly after releasing the EP 37 in the Spring of 2013, Scott unexpectedly left the band to pursue other projects.  Karl and Matt auditioned a handful of drummers, but it wasn't until another co-worker mentioned that his brother-in-law played drums that the duo found the right man for the job.  And so, Nick Baranski became King Never's new drummer. 

After a short battle with cancer, Karl passed away on August 11, 2014.  Karl's bass playing graces 37 and All These Things. 

In November 2015, Matt's long time friend Jordan Reading was recruited to play bass with the band.  Jordan first played with the band during the recording of the single "We Three Kings" back in 2010.

in memoriam

Vernon Karl Lane, Jr.

February 14, 1966 – August 11, 2014

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