Have/Hold
King Salt


4.0
excellent

Review

by OwenMz USER (1 Reviews)
October 19th, 2015 | 1 replies


Release Date: 2015 | Tracklist

Review Summary: King Salt is a record expertly positioned at the ‘sweet-spot’ intersection of alternative music, indie and post-rock, standing as a bold and confident statement for Have/Hold, and one which should serve to rally fans to their side in droves.

Since their inception in 2013, Australia's Have/Hold gathered a hefty amount of underground buzz off the back of solid releases, well received by music critics and ardent fans alike. The ‘Song For Bill Of The Trains/Dexamphetamine Blues’ 7-inch provided a two track introduction to the group, with creative song writing, powerful instrumentation and stellar vocal performances. Strengthened by the release of the ‘Calm Your Blood’ EP in the following year, Have/Hold toured steadily with a captivating live show, featuring luscious soundscapes and towering crescendos, very much on display and demanding attention.

And it only takes one listen of 'King Salt', their début full-length album, kicked off by instrumental opener ‘Icicles’ and first song ‘Care’, to realise that Have/Hold are supremely assured of their musical direction and truly at home within it. The band has a concrete sense of musical identity, which simultaneously echoes their influences, and steadfastly refuses to imitate them. Across 11 vibrant tracks, the hallmarks of groups like Brand New, Arcade Fire and The Casket Lottery are hinted at, yet re-invigorated by the group into a refreshing sound of their own design. More importantly, this sound remains distinctly local, with the impact of Aussie mainstays like Something For Kate, Motor Ace and You Am I having a prevailing resonance for Have/Hold across 'King Salt'.

The production and mix by Mike Deslandes is fantastic, allowing each track and instrument to breathe with full force, emphasising the lighter, softer moments of the record, such as the fragile vocal break in ‘The Old Country’, or the louder, riff-centric driving sections of ‘Halley’s Comet’ and ‘The Deep South East’. For your die-hard indie music fan, there’s something to love and latch onto on almost every song featured on 'King Salt', whether it be the shimmering guitar on ‘Lithography’, the anthemic, chanted refrain in ‘The Old Country’ chorus or the insightful and poignant lyrics of ‘So Sang The Whale’ and ‘A History of Cancer’. Vocalist Luke Shields wields a dynamic range that is nothing short of inspiring, where subtle touches of At The Drive-In, Muse and Circa Survive can each be heard shining through in fleeting glimpses. With Luke’s brother Ryan (drums) and Luke Smith (bass) rounding out the rhythm section, Have/Hold showcase an impressive array of talents on 'King Salt', sweeping effortlessly through a variety of genres and moods as a three-piece outfit.

'King Salt' is a record expertly positioned at the ‘sweet-spot’ intersection of alternative music, indie and post-rock, standing as a bold and confident statement for Have/Hold, and one which should serve to rally fans to their side in droves.


user ratings (3)
3.8
excellent


Comments:Add a Comment 
ashcrash9
Contributing Reviewer
June 10th 2016


3355 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

damn, just discovered this. Really sweet album.



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