Last May, the INDY wrote about the debut EP by XOXOK, the atmospheric soul project that Keenan Jenkins created while earning a doctorate in psychology at UNC-Chapel Hill. Now we’re excited for you to hear the premiere of new single “Right On,” a gorgeous, chilling production that’s a sure shot for local best-of-the-year lists.   

On July 5, 2016, Jenkins defended his dissertation. The next day, a police officer in Minnesota shot and killed Philando Castile. “Right On” is Jenkins’s keen-eyed, self-reflective response to the inescapable specter of police violence. “Just ‘cause I’ve got a PhD don’t mean they won’t,” he sings, developing his theme with immaculate vocal control and implacable narrative pressure.

The arrangement is deep (the production is by Gabriel Reynolds), with a thick, silky bass line churning up dark, sparkling clouds of jazz chords to rival King Krule’s. Jenkins has an exquisitely aching, arcing voice. He builds the song to a stunning crescendo with a kind of uncanny cool, and the effect is entirely entrancing:

Contact arts and culture editor Brian Howe at [email protected].

DEAR READERS, WE NEED YOUR HELP NOW MORE THAN EVER. Support independent local journalism by joining the INDY Press Club today. Your contributions will keep our fearless watchdog reporting and essential arts and culture coverage viable in the Triangle, coronavirus be damned.