“Don’t wait for the stars to line up/ It might take a little while/ ‘Cause you know, you light up the path on your own…” – empowering lyrics double as perspective-shifting affirmation during this ace record’s opener, Light Up The Path.
Recently, King Stingers have been Stateside – warming up stages for fellow Australian music royalty King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – and the jangly Soon As diarises #tourlyfe: “It’s been a while but I’ve finally touched back down/ It’s good to be back on Country/ Both feet on the ground…”
Album number two continues to celebrate multiculturalism within the vast, cinematic arrangements we’ve come to expect from King Stingers, but with the added conviction and oomph that continued success brings.
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Furthermore, touring the globe off the back of their award-winning debut, self-titled album has obviously taught these Yolŋu surf-rockers what works in bigger rooms.
Guitarist Roy Kellaway, the son of Yothu Yindi’s bassist Stuart Kellaway, has pithily described King Stingray’s sound as “traditional chaos”. Vibratory yidaki and crisp clapstick accents are always welcome throughout.
Acting as a contemplative palate cleanser, Scoreboard – a brief, strummed mid-set instrumental interlude – ripples like messages transmitted underwater.
“I don’t wanna be anywhere else right now…” – standout track Southerly, resplendent with a nostalgic synth hook, captures a moment of reflection on the beach; we feel like we’re “standing there feet in the sand” alongside this “couple of kids with a couple of big ideas”, daring to dream.
Friendship shines through every single syllable sung and note strummed by King Stingray. Their latest LP’s key takeaway – “Everything will be alright” (especially if we all learn how to tread lightly and respectfully on Country) – encourages listeners to dream of a better future.
LABEL: ROCKET
RELEASE: OUT NOW
