King Stingray is the debut studio album from Australian rock group, King Stingray. It was released on 5 August 2022 and debuted at number 6 on the ARIA Charts.
Music Feeds said, "Their music combines classic and contemporary rock influences with the ancient tradition of manikay (song/songlines), which dates back tens of thousands of years."
At the 2022 ARIA Music Awards, the album was nominated for Album of the Year, Best Group, Best Rock Album, Breakthrough Artist – Release and Best Cover Art. The album won the 2022 Australian Music Prize, and was nominated for Australian Album of the Year at the 2022 J Awards. At the AIR Awards of 2023, the album won Independent Album of the Year and Best Independent Rock Album or EP.
Critical reception
Andrew Stafford from The Guardian called the album "irresistibly joyful" saying "With Yothu Yindi in their bloodlines, the band have delivered a hooky and uptempo first album with a sound that's all their own."
James Di Fabrizio from Rolling Stone Australia said "King Stingray may be one of the most exciting rock bands to emerge from this country in a generation." Di Fabrizio added "Each track is a heady exploration of rhythm, psych and storytelling [and] come together like puzzle pieces, showcasing the beauty and community of the place they call home — the incomparable Arnhem Land."
Al Newstead from Triple J said it "feels like an instant Australian classic", saying "perfectly fusing contemporary rock with Yolŋu manikay, King Stingray's fun, spirited first album is a captivating ode to country and community." The album topped the Double J 50 best albums of the year list.
Track listing
Charts + Chart performance for King Stingray Chart (2022) Peakposition
Release history + Release history and formats for King Stingray Region Date Format Edition(s) Label Catalogue Various 5 August 2022 Standard Cooking Vinyl Australia CVCD112 Australia 11 November 2022 LP Exclusive Opaque Yellow CVLP112B Australia 4 August 2023 LP (repress) Orange CVLP112E
References