THE HEAD SCRATCHER

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Album Review: Greta Van Fleet - From the Fires (2017)

Before I get into this I just want to say one thing...GRETA VAN FLEET ARE GOING TO BE MASSIVE.  

It's been a long, busy week and I haven't had a great deal of time to listen to new music but sometimes you hear something and it just clicks. Greta Van Fleet are one of those bands and the quality and consistency of the music on offer here is undeniable. From the Fires is not an official LP it's actually two different EPs combined to make a longer 8 track album and as soon as it was over I wanted more.

Greta Van Fleet is made-up of brothers Josh, Samuel, and Jake Kiszka and Danny Wagner. Lead singer Josh is Robert Plant reincarnate (ok I know RP is still on the go but I mean prime Led Zeppelin Plant) and his vocals are massive and give you the chills. The songs evoke Led Zeppelin and many other classic rock acts but offer something fresh and new whilst having an almost timeless sound. 

Opener 'Safari Song' is an absolute stormer with the opening Who-esque scream and endlessly sing along "oh mama what you gonna do with all that love in your heart?". The next 3 tracks 'Edge of Darkness', 'Flower Power' and 'A Change is Gonna Come' dial things back somewhat but are no less powerful with some CCR-esque screams (or whatever it is that John Fogarty does), big solos and some organ thrown in for good measure.

Track 5 'Highway Song' comes storming out of the gates bringing the pace and swagger back, lifting the album at its midpoint but I suppose this is the opener to the second EP so it needs to hit hard.

Again 'Meet on the Ledge' and 'Talk on the Street' slow things down but there are plenty of catchy guitar licks, vocal hooks and drum fills that keep things interesting.

Album closer Black Smoke Rising is a real treat and an excellent end to an unforgettable collection of songs. The vocal hook in the chorus "and the black smoke rises from the fires we've been told" will be replaying in your head for weeks to come.

I can't wait to hear what comes next from this band. 

From the Fires is available from all your usual streaming and download services.

Visit the band at http://gretavanfleet.com