GRETA VAN FLEET: 5 Essential Tracks to Check Out Ahead of Australian Tour This Week
Grammy Award Winning U.S. Rock act GRETA VAN FLEET are set to make their highly anticipated return to Australian and New Zealand shores this August for the first time since 2019. Having sold out their Brisbane Fortitude Music Hall show on August 21st, they recently announced a second show at the Brisbane venue on August 22nd. Following that, they’ll play Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion on August 24th and the Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne on August 27th before jumping over the ditch to Auckland to play Spark Arena on August 30th where they will be joined by Colorado primal rock trio THE VELVETEERS.
The Frankenmuth, Michigan natives formed in 2012, consisting of brothers – vocalist Josh Kiszka, guitarist Jake Kiszka and bassist/keyboardist Sam Kiszka – who were then joined by drummer Danny Wagner. The band announced their arrival on the scene in a massive way in 2017 with their EP From The Fires, which won Best Rock Album at the 61st Grammy Awards.
Their meteoric rise continued with the release oftheir critically acclaimed sophomore album The Battle at Garden’s Gate which was released in 2021 and debuted at #1 Billboard Rock Album, #1 Billboard Hard Rock Album, #1 Billboard Vinyl Album, #2 Billboard Top Album Sales and in the Top 10 on the Billboard 200. 2023’s Starcatcher album also crashed into the Billboard Top 200 chart at #8 which has seen GRETA VAN FLEET entrenched as a fully-fledged Rock Powerhouse!
Grab your tickets here: gretavanfleet.com & livenation.com.au & livenation.co.nz
We reveal the Top 5 Essential GRETA VAN FLEET tunes to check out ahead of their Australian Tour later this month.
- Highway Tune
‘Highway Tune,’ is the breakout single originally from their debut EP Black Smoke Rising, is a raw, high-energy rock anthem that catapults listeners back to the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll. The track, released in 2017, showcases the band’s deep-rooted influences while carving out a distinctive sound that resonates with contemporary audiences.
From the very first riff, ‘Highway Tune’ makes an immediate impact. The song opens with a blistering guitar intro that sets the tone for what’s to come—an unapologetic homage to classic rock. Jake Kiszka’s guitar work is reminiscent of Jimmy Page, delivering electrifying riffs and solos that are both familiar and fresh. His playing is precise yet ferocious, capturing the spirit of rock legends while injecting his own flair.
Josh Kiszka’s vocals are a standout feature, drawing inevitable comparisons to Robert Plant. His voice soars with a powerful range and intensity, bringing a passionate and almost primal energy to the track. On ‘Highway Tune’ Greta Van Fleet manages to bridge the gap between past and present, proving that rock ‘n’ roll is very much alive and kicking.
- Safari Song
‘Safari Song’ stands out as a potent reminder of the band’s classic rock roots and their capacity to deliver a powerhouse performance. It’s clear that Greta Van Fleet is channelling the spirit of the 70s. The riff-heavy intro, driven by Jake Kiszka’s gritty guitar work, grabs the listener’s attention and doesn’t let go. His guitar tone is both vintage and vibrant, delivering a riff that feels as timeless as it does electrifying. Sam Kiszka’s bass line complements this perfectly, providing a groove that propels the track forward with a relentless drive.
Josh Kiszka’s vocals are a highlight here. His range and delivery are reminiscent of the legendary classic rock vocalists but with a fresh, youthful edge. He brings a sense of urgency and passion to the lyrics, which revolve around themes of freedom and adventure. The lyrics evoke a sense of wild escapism, adding a layer of lyrical allure to the musical intensity.
‘Safari Song’ is a triumphant declaration of Greta Van Fleet’s musical identity. It’s a high-octane, nostalgic journey through the heart of rock ‘n’ roll, delivered with a youthful intensity that marks the band’s early work.
- Light My Love
‘Light My Love’ is a song that stands out with its emotive depth and powerful instrumentation. The band, often compared to 70’s rock legends continue to carve out their own niche with this track from their 2021 album, The Battle at Garden’s Gate.
The song opens with a gentle, piano-driven melody, creating an immediate sense of intimacy and tenderness. Josh Kiszka’s distinctive vocals soar with emotional clarity, capturing the listener’s attention from the first note. His voice, filled with a raw yet controlled passion, pairs beautifully with the song’s poignant lyrics, which speak of love, connection, and the power of emotional support.
‘Light My Love’ showcases Greta Van Fleet’s ability to balance classic rock influences with their own unique sound. The song’s structure, building from a gentle beginning to a powerful crescendo, keeps the listener engaged throughout. Lyrically, ‘Light My Love’ is heartfelt and sincere. It speaks to the universal experience of seeking and offering love and support in times of need and is a testament to Greta Van Fleet’s growth as a band.
- Black Smoke Rising
‘Black Smoke Rising’ is a thunderous testament to the band’s ability to channel the raw, unadulterated energy of classic rock into a modern context it grips listeners with its powerful, riff-heavy introduction. The song’s instrumental prowess is immediately evident, with Josh Kiszka’s sizzling vocals cutting through the mix like a bolt of lightning and brings an urgent, primal energy to the track, while the instrumental backing is a blend of gritty guitar riffs, thunderous drumming by Danny Wagner, and a driving bassline courtesy of Sam Kiszka that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Musically, the song is a masterclass in retro rock revival. The guitar work, reminiscent of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, is both intricate and powerful, drawing comparisons to Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple. However, Greta Van Fleet doesn’t merely imitate their predecessors; they infuse the sound with their own youthful exuberance and modern sensibility. The song’s high-energy dynamics are felt as much as they are heard, making it a compelling listen from start to finish.
It’s a song that not only pays homage to the giants of rock but also charts a bold path forward for the band’s future. Greta Van Fleet’s reverence for the genre’s roots is evident, but they also bring their own distinctive flair to the table, making this track a standout in their discography. It’s a song that not only pays homage to the giants of rock but also charts a bold path forward for the band’s future.
- Heat Above
‘Heat Above’ from their 2021 album The Battle at Garden’s Gate is a stunning showcase of the band’s evolution and maturation. They have taken a significant leap with this track, blending their classic influences with a more expansive, ambitious approach.
From the first notes of ‘Heat Above,’ it’s clear that Greta Van Fleet is not content with merely echoing the sounds of rock’s past. The track opens with a sweeping, orchestral introduction that sets a grand tone. The arrangements and cinematic flair are a departure from their earlier, raw rock edges, suggesting a new level of sophistication and emotional depth.
The song’s structure is expansive, featuring a dynamic build-up that transitions from a tender, piano-driven verse to a powerful, anthemic chorus. Josh Kiszka’s vocals are mind-blowing and powered with newfound maturity and emotional resonance. He manages to convey both vulnerability and intensity, striking a balance that adds a layer of depth to the song. Since its release, ‘Heat Above’ has been met with acclaim for its ambitious sound and the band’s willingness to push their boundaries. Critics have noted the song as a standout track on The Battle at Garden’s Gate, highlighting it as a key moment in the band’s career where they solidify their identity while still honouring their influences.
