Since their inception in 2013, Have/Hold gathered a hefty amount of underground buzz in Australia, 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 debut full-length album, kicked off by instrumental opener "Icicles" and first song "Care," to realize 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, The National, Arcade Fire and The Casket Lottery are hinted at, yet re-invigorated by the band 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, emphasizing 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 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 & guitarist 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 an impressive rhythm section (rumoured to soon be bolstered by a fourth member), Have/Hold showcase an array of talents on King Salt as a three-piece outfit, sweeping effortlessly through a variety of genres and moods.

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. For those of you heading to Fest this year, the band are lucky enough to make the overseas jaunt, to play a small selection of shows around Florida as well as other select spots in the U.S., and  I implore you to seek them out and hear King Salt for yourself.