Greta van fleet go three for three with “Starcatcher”

Reviews

23 Jul

it’s hard to believe that it has been six years since the release of the michigan band’s young-and-hungry debut single, “highway tune”.

Though they have been subject to much belittling and derision since “Highway Tune”, the young men have delivered three studio albums, four live albums, two EPs and thirteen singles, along with a string of high-class music videos, in half a decade - and aren’t showing any signs of slowing down.

“Starcatcher” has been a highly anticipated wait for the Frankenmuth quartet’s fanbase. Soon to embark on a world tour in support of the album, Greta Van Fleet have been all go since day one, and with each release comes a more powerful, authentic sound. The third album truly sees the band growing into their style and becoming more mature in their artistry, suggesting that will continue to age like fine wine. Comfortably switching from the darkest soils of blues to the brightest skies of rock' ‘n’ roll, the band offer a very colourful palette.

Having presented a strong sophomore album (“The Battle at Garden’s Gate”), there may have been some hushed talk of the avoided bad luck following them to their next release, but the four-piece seem to stand rather firm in the warmly-named, “Starcatcher”. Comfortably presenting, “Sacred The Thread”, “Meeting The Master”, “The Falling Sky” and “Farewell For Now” as lead singles, the band still managed to maintain an aura of mystery and presentiment around what we now know is a ten-track album.

Upon first listen of the LP, “Sacred The Thread” and “Meeting The Master” were rightfully chosen as the first two taster singles - personally identified as the high points of the album. Jake Kiszka’s vocals still soar above all else, but the singer appears to sit in a slightly darker, chesty tone compared to the last album and specific hits such as, “Light My Love” and “Heat Above”. This feeds into the overall rugged character of the album, that really prompts the band’s confidence in their craft. Not that they ever suggested insecurity in their work, the album proudly says “This is Greta Van Fleet”.

The album proves that the band are keen to do what they do best, but in doing so, a sense of variety has been sacrificed in the case of “Starcatcher”. As much as each member is challenging themselves, distinct musical ideas are not presented in a track-by-track process. In saying that, “Starcatcher” feels much more like a story, or a deep conversation than what is presented in “The Battle at Garden’s Gate” and “Anthem of the Peaceful Army”, so the blending between several tracks fulfills this ideology. The potential recycling of soundscapes also aligns with drummer Danny Wagner’s insight into the album:

“We had this idea that we wanted to tell these stories to build a universe. We wanted to introduce characters and motifs and these ideas that would come about here and there throughout our careers through this world”

The band still maintain their ethereal, anthemic quality that few bands are achieving in the contemporary rock world, and the album continues to nudge the “religious listening experience” spirit that the band radiate. Overall, “Starcatcher” is a mellow collection of “older and wiser” tracks with a few welcome surprises. The Michigan men’s journey is still young, and they are no doubt plotting their next daring venture.