Rock ‘n’ roll rising: Greta Van Fleet bridges a music generation gap

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Riding in the car with your parents might be a bore, especially if they tend to gravitate towards stations like WXRT, The Drive, and The Loop while you beg to blast more contemporary stations. Maybe there is a band that both young and old can agree on. With a youthful energy, but a blues background, Greta Van Fleet may be the strongest contender for compromising.

Formed in 2012, Greta Van Fleet originated from Detroit, home to many other music legends like Alice Cooper, Iggy Pop, and Grand Funk Railroad. They were raised on the music of our parents, but planned to play for the next generation. Clad in fringe, leather, and long hair, the four boys that make up this band hit the stage.

On Nov. 10, Greta Van Fleet released their first double EP, consisting of four previously released song from their first EP Black Smoke Rising, and four new songs. From The Fires has the power and appeal of albums like Led Zeppelin’s Physical Graffiti, Deep Purple’s Machine Head, and Humble Pie’s Smokin’, but it still has a modern flavor. The group has already claimed the Best New Artist award handed out by Loudwire this year.

“We grew up in a very creative environment, so we grew up around a lot of vinyl and music. A lot of those became influences, and I think the one common place we all meet is the blues,” Jake Kiszka, the band’s guitar player, said.

The album kicks off with the track “Safari Song” and it sure is a high note to start off on, both metaphorically and vocally. The tune is one of the heavier blues influenced songs, reminding me of Johnny Winter’s 1969 release “Rock Me Baby.” Josh Kiszka’s vocals are definitely reminiscent of Steve Marriott, and Robert Plant, making full use of his vocal range. It diverges enough for its inspirations to appeal to a younger and softer crowd.

“Edge of Darkness” is the first taste fans get of a newer track. Again, the song blasts forward, exploding with loud vocals and an even louder drum beat. It is probably the most modern sounding track off the album, adopting a more grunge sound.

The album takes a shift with a more folk song, similar to tracks like “Baby Driver” by Simon and Garfunkel, and Led Zeppelins “Hey Hey What Can I Do.” “Flower Power” took a while to grow on me, but then became one of the highlights of the album. It steps back from the power chords and takes more time to develop the band as a whole.

“A Change Is Gonna Come” is my personal favorite track that Greta Van Fleet has yet to release. It’s a cover of the Sam Cooke song from 1964, and really shows how the band wanted to credit their role models, while still applying their own flavor to the album.

“Highway Tune” is definitely the most rock based track on the album, and is their biggest hit to date. With close to eight millions plays on Spotify within the week of its release, it’s clear Greta Van Fleet is going places. A music video for the track is also available on their Vevo Youtube channel.

Though all the songs on the album bring a different vibe out, “Meet On The Ledge” is the least strong of the eight. I would have rather seen them delve into a more acoustic song, opposed to this addition soulful rock tune. “Talk On The Street” also falls under the same category, but delivers its vocals and power chords more strongly.

The album closes with “Black Smoke Rising” and it’s definitely a song that makes listeners hungry for more. With more Marriott influenced high notes, this track brings the classic rock vibes out to the forefront once more.

From The Fires is available on all streaming services, as well as on their website. I highly recommend it to any rock fans eager to get a sneak peek at what the future of rock ‘n’ roll will sound like.