GRETA VAN FLEET: From The Fires (HARD ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

A few decades ago, a German band called Kingdom Come had undergone the wrath of the critics and the hard rock milieu because of a too high similarity with Led Zeppelin. This similarity being reinforced by the proximity of the voices of their singer and leader, Lenny Wolf, and Robert Plant, the talented Teutonic band was subjected to a tsunami of criticism and mockery of all kinds. Other times, other customs, 30 years later, and while the famous revival movement is still spreading its impact, the welcome given to Greta Van Fleet, a quartet from Michigan and formed by the three Kiszka brothers, is far from being so negative. Quite the contrary, their 4-track EP entitled "Black Smoke Rising" and released in April 2017 has received a volley of laudatory reviews. Yet, between Josh Kiska's voice that sounds like two s of scotch to Robert Plant's one, Jack Kiska's riffs and solis that could come out of Jimmy Page's guitar, and Danny Wagner's mule kicking that has nothing to envy to John Bonham's one, he would have had a lot to say if this record had been released in 1988.

So here is launched a new EP, 8 tracks this one, entitled "From The Fires" and actually taking back the 4 tracks of "Black Smoke Rising" to which 4 new tracks have been added. And for those who would have missed Greta Van Fleet in 2017, the slap is guaranteed. From the opening cry of 'Safari Song', the time travel is spectacular and you wouldn't blame some people for dreaming of digging up some unreleased tracks from the Dirigeable. Groovy and bluesy with an irresistible energy and a hyper catchy riff, this title is likely to destabilize all those who were preparing to shoot on sight at this new announced Led Clone. That' s where the dilemma is going to be: what to remember mainly about this opus? Its identity clearly copied on the best of Led Zeppelin, or its undeniable quality coupled with an incredible enthusiasm?

Because on the one hand, and beyond the elements already outlined in the introduction, the parentage is more than obvious on 'Flower Power', which bears its name with its perfectly mastered high notes, its solar solo and its soaring finale with the Hammond organ. The same goes for the cover of Sam Cooke's 'A Change Is Gonna Come' with its gospel choirs and its soul full of vocals for a strong evocative power, or on the single 'Highway Tune' with its contagious energy and groove. As for 'Black Smoke Rising', it takes on the role of a powerful anthem with a chorus that sweeps everything away in its path and its vaporous folk-rock break. In the middle of all that, it is all the more likely to find some openings towards other horizons. It is the case of 'Edge Of Darkness' falsely casual and bewitching with light accents worthy of the Black Crowes. With its hyper catchy chorus, the cover of Fairport Convention's 'Meet On The Ledge' benefits from psychedelic guitars, while 'Talk On The Street' leans more towards a more direct rock with Rolling Stones' influences.

While the band is heralded as "the next big thing", it would be interesting to know Lenny Wolf's opinion versus such a difference in treatment within three decades. It is probable that the feeling of injustice must prevail and it would be understandable. However, the fans of a comeback in the 70's will be able to have fun because the quality of this opus is undeniable. In addition to a flawless interpretation and an obvious talent, the Kiszka brothers and their drummer colleague add a freshness and a spontaneity that makes any form of resistance impossible. It remains however preferable that Greta Van Fleet quickly finds a more asserted identity because the role of clone, as talented as it may be, is likely to lock them up quickly in a too narrow straitjacket.
- Official website

GRETA VAN FLEET

FROM THE FIRES

AUTRE LABEL

HARD ROCK