The long-awaited third studio album for this stellar quartet has made it's debut on Friday and let's just say you're not gonna expect this.
Howdy folks! Long time, no see. My sudden drop off the face of the Earth has resulted from burnout between finding a new job, relishing in what little time I have to really "enjoy" my summer, and just not feeling motivated. But that all changed as of Thursday night at midnight. Yes, I am talking about the release of Starcatcher by Greta Van Fleet. Now, it's absolutely no secret that I'm incredibly fond of this band, I mean I put this album on my calendar to review for y'all! I've listened to this album in it's full length almost three times before I knocked out...it was a little concerning.
For those who have been longtime fans of this Michigan-based band, there is so much to be said and discussed about this album alone, and even more so when the question of The Battle at Garden's Gate comes into play; how all the stories connect to form a cohesive tale and what it means for the LP that is to follow Starcatcher. If you have not listened to their previous album, I highly recommend doing so. It's not only incredibly cinematic, but also adds context to the themes of Starcatcher.
Without further stalling, I bring you the full, in-depth review of
Featured Tracks: Meeting The Master, Sacred The Thread, The Falling Sky
Blasphemuse! Picks: The Indigo Streak, Frozen Light, Sacred The Thread
1. Fate Of The Faithful - 8/10
We first start with the album with this track, a dream-like sequence ushering us into the world of Starcatcher. Thanks to Sam Kiszka's gentle lull on the keys, he adds a level of impending doom and false security. This is immediately amplified by Jake Kiszka's killer riffs, which he truly shows his growth as a guitarist in this album. Daniel Wagner's drumming, above anyone else, is what's really highlighted in this album, but more specifically this track. I feel like this adds more emphasis on the fact that the battle is still continuing even though we're past the climax. Of course, I cannot forget about Josh Kiszka's remarkable vocals in this song. He's truly grown as a singer in countless ways, but what's incredibly noteworthy are the higher notes he's consistently reaching as opposed to his usual battle-cry belt.
This really goes to show Greta is one with their music and really isn't trying to imitate or chase after anything other than that, as they've been constantly compared to bands like Led Zeppelin (Rolling Stone, did you even listen to the album?). Where I would dock a couple points is that this track has a sound that's a little too uniform, but that's also due to the "chaos in the calm" theme this album takes; destruction surrounds a maddened village but it's all too obscured.
If we were to look at this track back to back with "The Weight of Dreams" from TBAGG (yes, I hate that's the abbreviation for it too) which was the auditory landscape of the actual battle taking place and then stillness settling over the field, either in demise or in response to the main protagonists making it through the Gate, we can see that this opener is meant to continue the previous narrative. But what if this song is more than just a bridge between the two albums and has an entity to it? Fate of the Faithful talks about a battle fought for nothing or led into total and utter demise, all while a prophet or noble of high ranks sits back unscathed with blood on his hands. In the "Meeting The Master" music video, each of the band members is dressed in an outfit that resonates with a track. Sam Kiszka wears a long, white gown, symbolizing purity and divination, but his striking red gloves represent his corruption, the blood on his hands for leading an army into demise for his own benefit.
The Easter Eggs and cryptic nature of Greta Van Fleet is what really draws so much more interpretation to their work. Yes, they do sing of different scenes and narratives, but no two perspectives are the same. Bravo!
2. Waited All Your Life - 7/10
This is one of the two tracks that I'm slightly disappointed in. What really saves this song is the remarkable instrumentals and I think that's also what ultimately let me down. Now, I'm not saying this is a bad song by any means, the lyrics are what you'd expect them to be. They tell the story of the recruitment of followers to a prophet or master, it's making the appeal to return home. But ultimately, it's missing something and almost follows a formula of some sort. The song starts off a little somber and melancholic, but then picks up in an unusual way that just doesn't make a whole lot of sense.
Maybe it's having low-tempo songs back to back that retracts the appeal or that the lyrics are just not in the same vain of poeticism as most of the other songs on this album, but all I can say that it's not all too memorable.
3. The Falling Sky - 9/10
I was truly torn between making this one of the Blasphemuse! Picks but the track that follows this one just stuck with me more. However, this track simply does not lack. The lyricism and Josh's tone throughout the song are extremely powerful and goosebump-inducing, I'm really happy that he didn't completely abandon his trademark belts. The way that this track is mastered is also really interesting. At first, I initially thought the mixing done by Mark Stent and Dave Cobb was at the end of this as the song's orientation (and the rest of the album) is dream-like and echoey.
With further inspection of other listeners, we come to realize it's the mastering that pulls this track together while also committing some faux pas in other tracks. Brick-walling, which is when sound engineers go a little too in over their heads to make the songs as loud as humanly possible, has played a vital role in this song. It stands out and is striking while also ensuring that every minute detail is heard. But that's not what every song needs.
Apart from this, I think we should also really applaud that Greta is simply not sticking to the typical instrumental solos and really experiment with what can be done and defied. Yes, I'm talking about the HARMONICA solo. Blues to its core, the harmonica is almost paying homage to the band's roots and adds an organic feel to it. It's Greta Van Fleet, not any other band. This track, along with many other songs from previous albums, go to show that this band is not a tribute or knock-off, but rather a renaissance and revival to a genre that has been fading away.
This narrative that has been spun by those who look to tear this group down is innately absent-minded and quite baseless, not to mention incredibly stale. While critique is important, it is also just as important to know, research, and understand what you're talking about before parroting the same jabs.
To the lyrics, this track is in the perspective of the disgraced prophet/leader, portrayed by Sam again. Tying itself to "Fate Of The Faithful" and the music video of MTM, I truly think the imagery in this album is quite remarkable.
4. Sacred The Thread - 9.5/10
When I first heard this single, I was completely blown away and really impressed. The start of this song, admittedly, takes on a John Bonham rendition of "When The Levee Breaks", but with slight alteration on part of Daniel's incredible drumming that is addictive to say the very least. Highlighted throughout this track, I feel as though the band has been listening to really up the ante on showcasing Daniel's and Sam's talents more often in studio recordings. We can also hear Sam's bass playing that oftentimes goes completely unnoticed or overlooked, despite how remarkable it is. There's also another solo that is perfected by Sam that I'll get into in just a moment.
The lyrics have both literal meaning and an interpretation that fit into the storyline of Starcatcher. Josh Kiszka states, while talking about the inspiration of "Sacred The Thread", "I always like to think that some people's first impression of Greta Van Fleet in concert is 'Wow, these guys really like dressing to the left and blowing shit up.' This song is particularly important to me because it's about my jumpsuits.” Known for his extravagant jumpsuits when he takes the stage, Josh has also been at the end of ridicule for dressing as such. Nonetheless, he still shows major confidence in his iconic suits.
As for the interpretive meaning of this song, this is the introduction of the true painter/mostly human prophet that is talked about in "The Indigo Streak", both of which Josh Kiszka seems to represent in the MTM music video. Seen adorning his trademark suit with streaks around his eyes, he is a soul that is uplifted by the need to free those still stuck in whatever purgatory they're in, as seen by the lyrics.
This song is incredibly dreamlike and is a continuation of "Fate Of The Faithful" in terms of the two sides showcased; good and evil. The only place I would dock a half point is the brick-walling, just because the HARP solo at the end of the song played by Sam Kiszka clashes with that mastering.
5. Runway Blues - 6/10
Onto the track that I'm incredibly disappointed in. Now, it's not a bad song by any means. It has everything that you'd want, the same energetic feel we hear in From The Fires, the deep Blues inspiration, Jake's INSANE guitar solo, Josh's sick ass vocals...why such a bad rating for a song that is seemingly great?
It's only a minute long. Seriously. And it cuts off in the middle of a solo. Why? Josh simply wasn't feeling it. This track had SO MUCH potential, even if it was a track that didn't really fit into the storyline of Starcatcher, every Greta album/EP has an energetic song that's just for fun! Josh, we need to have a long and serious conversation about this decision. I am expecting a deluxe album with the extended version, or maybe something longer for when you guys play this live. Short song, short review.
6. The Indigo Streak - 10/10
I would pay good hard money to experience this track for the first time again. When I tell you my jaw was on the floor, that shit was ON THE FLOOR. I heard good things about this song when they teased it in their previous tour, but I simply was not ready for the glorious nature of this song, it truly is STAR-STRIKING. I would give this rating higher than 10 if that was even possible.
This song, in its interpretive meaning, is Josh's character once again, but in a more in-depth lens. It will give you goosebumps. He is represented as a "mostly human", otherworldly entity/phenomenon battling the chaos in the world of Starcatcher. Not to mention, Sam's bass playing and Jake's sultry solo? This will leave your mouth watering for more. The Indigo Streak is also to be noted as the character Josh is portraying in the MTM music video, as it is a proper noun as opposed to an observation (capitalization in the lyrics). If you were to listen to just one song from this album, make sure it's this one.
Something that is also incredibly beautiful about this song is how impactful "The Indigo Streak" is to the band. Josh Kiszka, in a show during the Dreams in Gold Tour, talks about the impact people have on one another, especially the band, that is so profound and moving, something that he calls The Indigo Streak. As he states this, he brings to light a fan who has had that impact on the band, but unfortunately had moved onto another realm after losing a tiresome, aggressive battle with cancer. Dedicating that performance of Light My Love to that fan, Rylie Hope Morgan, The Indigo Streak has an even more incredible depth to it than it did before.
To watch the beautiful dedication, check this link out.
To Rylie Hope, you are truly one with Starcatcher, painting the sky in a way that is truly remarkable.
7. Frozen Light - 10/10
This track has also landed its good graces with me as it is truly amazing. The opening riff is definitely going back to Greta's roots and how it all started while also incorporating that dreamy, mystic element that they've adopted over the years. Daniel's drumming is definitely the highlight, followed by Josh's incredible range and Jake's killer riffs. This track also showcases Sam's keyboardist abilities. The only thing that I'm on the fence about is the echoey effects on this track, but they're not too overbearing. Jake's riff is absolutely spectacular, truly marking this track as his. If this were to be compared to any of their previous tracks, I'd say "Frozen Light" is a really intriguing parallel to "Built By Nations" from The Battle At Garden's Gate.
The lyrics are what you'd expect them to be from a Greta track. This track brings together the characters of Starcatcher; a disgraced leader/sinner, The Indigo Streak, the protector or guide represented in this song, and The Archer that follows this song. They make a direct reference to themselves as a band too, "four brothers searching for a meal", so it makes me ponder if the characters in this tale are related to each other in ways that are much more than circumstance.
Aside from Jake absolutely killing it on this album, this track is who he is representing in the MTM music video. He is the only person who isn't really committing an act of any sort, incredibly serene and still, hence frozen. However, in a certain frame, he is seen wielding a sword while in front of a flame, pointing us to the "A flame for going home" lyric on this track. His symbol throughout this album has been the sword, so it's no wonder that he plays an important role as a guide to lead his brothers past the unforgiving frozen terrain in this chaotic, dreamlike state. Or at least until we get to the actual track of "Meeting The Master".
8. The Archer - 9/10
"The Archer" is a track that grows on me the more and more I listen to it. We start off with a Celtic-like introduction to the song which is leaning towards Jake's more acoustic side, but that is soon paired with his iconic electric riffs. Josh's vocals are truly remarkable and incredibly moving. He really has improved his range throughout the years and this track really highlights it, seamlessly and smoothly going between different octaves in the same breath is something that truly should be commended.
I really appreciate how the band has taken a fantasy approach to this song as it pairs incredibly well with the instrumentals . In the same vein, however, the lyrics on this track have confused a couple of people despite being the introduction to Daniel's character on this album, The Archer. Reason being is that throughout the chorus, Josh keeps singing "Sara" in ways such as; "Torn, I turn to my bow, Sara/ Torn I turn to my arrow, Sara". While people have thought that "Sara" might be of the bride that is briefly touched on this song or the name The Archer has given to his weapons, I don't think that is the case.
Greta Van Fleet has been very open with exploring different religious themes in their personal lives, such as Buddhism and Hinduism (with invitation to closed practices of course). We see the first case of this in "Trip The Light Fantastic" off of TBAGG where Josh sings "Sri Ram Jaya Ram" in the bridge, translating to "Victory to Lord Rama", a congregational mantra chanted in India. This is meant to promote peace and harmony. In that light, a Tibetan translation for the word "Saraha" means "the one who shot the arrow", obviously alluding to The Archer. The prefix "Sara-" would be the object, a bow and arrow, which would make sense in the chorus because Josh is referencing the part of Sara; a bow and Arrow. The suffix "-ha" would be the one in control or possession of Sara, The Archer.
I truly love when a band makes me do this much digging into world history to understand the different themes!
9. Meeting The Master - 7.5/10
While I do draw a lot of references to this track's music video, this song is not as mind-numbingly superb as the other ones on this album. Now this isn't to say that it's bad by any means, I think it's great and that it was an incredible choice to make this the first single to follow the finale of TBAGG. The lyrics tell a tale of "meeting the master", which raised some questions on who The Master is and how they fit into the storyline. After hearing "The Weight of Dreams", fans thought that this track meant that the soldiers died in the Battle at Garden's Gate.
However, upon hearing the other tracks, even more questions are raised. Were the four brothers dead all along and just wondering through the realm of purgatory? Was The Garden a citadel of wonder and also sin, and The Master is the ruler of it all? Watching the music video, it might bring to light one theory, but the track that follows it negates that. Josh Kiszka talked in about the song, about how it is written about a being "maddened by religion" in a cult-like manner. What I would like to add is that I really appreciated the scene in the music video that pays homage to the cover of From The Fires.
Regardless of the storyline, I think this track is pretty decent. Jake has a killer solo, Josh showcased his newer skills, Sam's bass is great, and Daniel's drop to the climax is incredible. It did its job as a single, but raised so many questions.
10. Farewell For Now - 7/10
Alas, we reach the last track of the whirlwind of this adventure. While this song is intended to be taken in a literal sense, the band explaining that this song is the bittersweet feeling of finishing a show but knowing they get to do it all again in the next city, this song could also have some interpretation to it.
The instrumentals and lyrics are good, nothing to really write home about as I'm sure it has more impact hearing it live. The interpretation can range from absolutely anything from all the different theories that you create listening to their work or what was listed above, but they all have something in common; the end of a story. Now, this could be the four brothers reminiscing and finally moving on to the afterlife, the brother's finding the answers at The Garden and are ready for the adventure home (which could be what the next LP is about), or even a complete end to the tale that has been told for the last several years. Whatever it is, this track put an end to something.
Overall Rating - 8.3
This is a certified Blasphemuse! pick! While some tracks did underwhelm me, this album grows on me the more and more I listen to it. It's definitely more prog than what fans are usually accustomed too, but I found this move to be really profound and interesting. Happy opening night of the Starcatcher World Tour!
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