Greta Van Fleet, the quartet hailing from the state of Michigan returns with their fourth record ‘Palace For The People’, some three years and a bit after ‘Starcatcher’. Led by guitarist extraordinaire Jake Kiszka and accompanied by his twin-brother Josh (vocals), younger brother Sam (keyboards/bass) and longtime friend and drummer Danny Wagner, the group continues its musical journey mixing a touch of blues, psychedelic rock with good old classic rock.
COMPARISON
From the day that Greta Van Fleet released their first single some nine to ten years ago the comparison with the iconic Led Zeppelin was unavoidable. Josh’s high-pitched voice was close to that of Robert Plant while Jake’s guitar sound had similarities with the sound that mastermind Jimmy Page produced. Jake later admitted that he had studied the playing of Jimmy Page. Had the world met the future of rock and roll, I wondered at the time, or was Greta Van Fleet just a copycat?
FLAMBOYANT
With the releases of several singles, EP’s and the three albums ‘Anthem Of The Peaceful Army’, ‘The Battle At Garden’s Gate’ and the already mentioned ‘Starcatcher’ the four musicians developed themselves further and further, adding flavor to their sound while vocalist Josh became very flamboyant with his outfit and presence. Obviously, the group copped criticism for their music (it was not original etcetera) but looking at their career so far, you can only conclude that these guys are as genuine and honest as can be. They never claimed that they re-invented the wheel. They are who they are.
MODERN YET CLASSIC
‘Palace For The People’ is a very modern sounding yet classic rock album. All the elements that the band showcased on their older albums are also presents on this one. You could state that Greta Van Fleet has taken a cautious approach on this record. The material is very solid, the production by Mike Elizondo is punchy and sharp and the performance of the band is excellent. Jake has that “twangy” sound that make the music recognizable while the vocals of Josh are right out there, full of emotion and right in your face. I can understand that there are people that find him a bit over the top. But for me that is just an element that makes this group stand out.
SURPRISE ELEMENT
Is there a surprise element to be heard on ‘Palace For The People’?
Not really. This album might not offer too many new avenues. Fact is though that the bulk of the songs are standing firm. One example is “Field Of Stars”, a more psychedelic rock song. “Touch Again” is with his orchestral arrangements certainly one of the best tracks on the record. To put it out there, there are no weak moments of this album. “Saw You Stand” is with its piano-intro and the delicate singing by Josh a peach of a ballad with a guitar solo to die for. Maybe the real surprise is gone by now but the band compensates that by adding integrity and a “whole lotta love” to the picture. This record should consolidate the reputation and status that the boys of Greta Van Fleet have built for themselves. This is just a fine and lasting album. Give it some time and you will just love it!
Report by Michel van de Moosdijk
