Get ready for another special record and experience. The instruments are in perfect harmony with each other and GRETA VAN FLEET’s distinctive feature is the singer’s characteristic voice. Their third album “Starcatcher” is here. Can it live up to its predecessor, the acclaimed “The Battle At Garden’s Gate” (2021)? My first feeling was that they have probably succeeded.

The American Retro rockers comes from Michigan and was formed in 2012. Five years later they were signed by Lava Records and during the same year two EPs were released. The band was like an uncut diamond and the guys had not found their own style yet. It became better with their debut album ”Anthem Of The Peaceful Army”, which was released in 2018. The group had developed and continued to do so. Two years ago they gave us a magnificent masterpiece, “The Battle At Garden’s Gate”. GVF consists of the three Kiszka brothers and their friend Daniel Wagner on drums. Jacob plays guitar and Samuel handles both bass and keyboard. Behind the microphone we find Joshua, whose voice has been compared to Geddy Lee (RUSH) and Robert Plant (LED ZEPPELIN), which I can agree with a little. The band has a 70’s style with some influences from RUSH, PINK FLOYD, QUEEN, LED ZEPPELIN and THE DOORS. However, do not think too much about those names, because GRETA VAN FLEET has created their own sound, which blossomed in full on the last record. The new ”Starcatcher” was produced in Nashville by the band members and Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb.

GRETA VAN FLEET’s deep, dynamic atmosphere is heard directly in the opening “Fate Of The Faithful”. The music has a slightly melancholy tone. A single bass string is struck and a soft resonance spreads. The skillful guitarplaying is both strong and vibratingly sensitive. Some tones glides in from the background here and there. Joshua’s voice moves up and down in a neat way. The very good “Sacred The Thread” opens with ticking, light drumbeats, before the rocking rhythm is strengthened by guitar and bass. We hear the frontman’s soft voice playing with the notes.

The only track that is a question mark for me is “Runway Blues”, a very short piece of just over a minute. Admittedly full of energy and fun, but felt completely unnecessary to include. It is not bad, but not really their style and could have been removed. Maybe it was an outlet for all the excess energy?

In the fantastic “The Archer” acoustic guitar is mixed with the electric one. Daniel’s rapid, rhythmic drumbeats builds up very well in the middle of the song. Acoustic guitar is also heard in “Meeting The Master”, which is a wonderfully delightful tune with a lovely melody. The music slowly rolls forward and then opens up in the chorus, especially before the solo. Fast, exuberant guitar tones give an extra kick of energy.

They have the same pleasant, interesting and fascinating sound as on the last record. “Starcatcher” is full-bodied, with many nuances. One floats between dream and strong presence. Joshua’s voice is a special spice, which makes the group stand out among others in the same genre. These guys are so musical and full of ideas. I was a bit worried that they would not be able to live up to “The Battle At Garden’s Gate”, but they did and GRETA VAN FLEET once again delivers a fantastic album. (Anna)

Bewertung:

 9 / 10

Anzahl der Songs: 10
Spielzeit: 42:30 min
Label: LAVA / Republic Records
Veröffentlichungstermin: 21.07.2023