San Francisco’s Never Knows last turned heads and covertly moved dance floors with the provocative single “Black Enough,” a collaboration with vocalist Kevin Knapp for the Untitled & After label. The pairing of Never Knows’ sparse, deep, and dark techno sound with Knapp’s emotive messaging proved to be a memorable proposition, earning accolades from the likes of Dubfire, John Selway, Oliver Klein, and Chris Fortier. Continuing in this spirit of inspired collaborations Never Knows launches the next single, “Concrete. Drama.” this time featuring the vocal contribution of Jupiter, an enigma of San Francisco queer culture. “My whole life is art. I am an exhibit,” proclaims Jupiter, a two-spirit artist and ritualist who shares duties as a shamanatrix storyteller, performance artist, wordsmith, stylist, and fashion influence. Jupiter appears at clubs in outfits that would make Leigh Bowery turn his head, chanting, rhyming, singing, and toasting along to club beats. Never Knows’ Marc Kate aspired to capture this identifiable essence within “Concrete. Drama.” and succeeds with style and attitude to spare. A stark four-on-the-floor clap and kick open proceedings, soon joined by an ominous bass line, ringing keys, and roomy percussion. Jupiter intones a bit of thought-provoking wordplay, speaking to the tensions between the rituals of the club, the rituals of the forest, and the hard realities of urban living. The cut builds with purpose, with not so much a climax as an unknowing revelation … keys, bass, rhythm, and words washing over the nightclub like a fine mist as bodies sway. It’s another subversive treat from Never Knows and Untitled & After, immediately requiring your sonic attention.
Tommi Bass (Rednetic / Multipraktik) - “ I love this … it’s got that real old feel about it, like a more stripped down Blake Baxter track. Full support!”
Orde Meikle (Slam / Soma) - “Cool tracks. Will spin.”
Jaymz Nylon - “Fresh, fun, and funky.”
Makossa & Megablast - “Solid, deep vibe.”
Rob Warner (Ibiza Voice) - “Awesome. Simply awesome.”
Chrissy Murderbot - “WTF is dude talking about in the second half with cell phones and rituals tryna get laid and s**t … I love it!”
Louk (Compulzion / Druck) - “Dark and deep …”
Ulysses (Neurotic Drum Band) - “Both tracks are nice. Dark, yet uplifting.”
Severino (Horse Meat Disco) - “Pretty cool.”
Michele Vitucci (BTE Podcast) - “Wonderful tracks.”
JAGM(MusicMagSpain) - “Really good release … high quality deep, dark sounds.”
Additional support from Richie Hawtin, Alexi Delano, Mademoiselle Caro, Hardway Bros, Brendon Collins (Summer), Raymundo Rodriguez, and Omid 16B.
Available now from Juno Download and Beatport.