King Stingray (album) explained

King Stingray
Type:studio
Artist:King Stingray
Cover:King Stingray album.png
Released:5 August 2022
Recorded:Northern Territory, Brisbane, Byron Bay
Length:35:02
Producer:Roy Kellaway
Next Title:For the Dreams
Next Year:2024

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."[1]

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.[2] The album won the 2022 Australian Music Prize,[3] [4] and was nominated for Australian Album of the Year at the 2022 J Awards.[5] At the AIR Awards of 2023, the album won Independent Album of the Year and Best Independent Rock Album or EP.[6] [7]

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."[8] The album topped the Double J 50 best albums of the year list.[9]

Release history

Region! scope="col"
DateFormatEdition(s)LabelCatalogue
Various5 August 2022StandardCVCD112
Australia11 November 2022[10] LPExclusive Opaque Yellow CVLP112B
Australia4 August 2023[11] LP (repress)Orange CVLP112E

Notes and References

  1. Web site: King Stingray Release Long-Awaited Debut Album. . 5 August 2022. 19 August 2022.
  2. Web site: Rüfüs Du Sol Leads 2022 ARIA Awards Nominees (Full List). The Music Network. 12 October 2022. 12 October 2022. Lars Brandle.
  3. Web site: Shortlist Revealed for the 18th Australian Music Prize. Music Feeds. 24 January 2023. 24 January 2023.
  4. Brandle . Lars . March 1, 2023 . King Stingray Wins 18th Annual Australian Music Prize . Billboard . March 3, 2023.
  5. Web site: Here's all the J Awards 2022 nominees!. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 1 November 2022. 3 November 2022 .
  6. Web site: Nominees Announced for the Australian Independent Music Awards 2023 . Music Feeds. 31 May 2023. 31 May 2023.
  7. Web site: King Stingray and Genesis Owusu Win Big at 2023 AIR Awards . Music Feeds. 4 August 2023. 5 August 2023.
  8. Web site: King Stingray's debut album feels like an instant Australian classic. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 8 August 2022. 19 August 2022.
  9. Web site: The 50 best albums of 2022. Double J. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. December 7, 2022. December 7, 2022.
  10. Web site: King Stingray (JB Hi-Fi AU Exclusive Opaque Yellow Vinyl). JB Hi-Fi. 19 August 2022.
  11. Web site: King Stingray (Orange Vinyl) (Repress). JB Hi-Fi. 31 July 2023.