Words by Aj Mahar.

Arnhem Land rockers King Stingray return with more irresistibly stirring, but warm tunes on their second album For The Dreams.

The opener, and latest single, Light Up The Path, sails in over the clearest of waters with its combination of strutting steady backbeats and chirping guitar riffs. A friendly introduction for regular listeners before settling into deep groover, Best Bits. The production quality a clear indicator of guitarist/producer Roy Kellaway’s increasing studio confidence.

Southerly, the first non-single, shows further growth and expansion of their sound. A soothing, eighties worthy synth line and watery, chorused guitars continue sailing the album along before a thunderous drum and didgeridoo breakdown. The anthemic Lookin’ Out continues the clever incorporation of didgeridoo, confidently finding its place in the mix.

After a run of songs perfect for dancing under a humidity drenched sun, Scoreboard provides the perfect cooling off moment at the albums mid-point. Sparse, reverb drenched, unaccompanied guitar lines like a calming underwater dream sequence. Coming to the surface to reflect on Nostalgic. 

The foot stomping Day Off returns the upbeat outback party atmosphere with sunburnt Rolling Stones style swagger. A joyous rally cry for escaping the pressures of life; continuing in the following song, the almost Killers reminiscent indie belter, Through The Trees. Stronger indie vibes are present throughout the album, but the chirping piano intro of Soon As is one of the more surprising of these moments. Especially when it reaches another moody didge breakdown. 

Whats The Hurry rocks along leisurely in a fashion fitting of its title before, Come To The Surface. The guitar sounds of Scoreboard reemerge to a hypnotically danceable beat rolling along like waves. Despite being a terrifying phrase in the Top End, Cat 5 (Cyclone) starts off by brushing all anxieties aside for a bopping beat for the album’s closer. Rising to fuzzed guitars and crashing drums more fitting of the harsh conditions of such an event.

While the album contains everything King Stingray are known and loved for, the band have delivered that with new understanding. They continue to play an important role in keeping native languages alive. And with their developed songcraft skills, will manage to convey that important message to a bigger audience.