Anthem of the Peaceful Army will be released on October 19th.
The future of rock sounds a lot like its past, and that's evident in Anthem of the Peaceful Army , the new album from Greta Van Fleet , a quartet from Michigan that has caught the attention of hundreds of thousands of people around the world – including Robert Plant . The newcomers' similarities to Led Zeppelin are clear from the EP From the Fires , and they are strengthened in this new work.
In the opening seconds of the album, it's possible to travel back in time, and if you close your eyes, you can imagine Plant singing alongside his bandmates, just as vocalist Josh Kiszka accompanies his twin brother and guitarist Jacob Kiszka , while their younger brother, Sam Kiszka , provides heavy bass lines that intertwine with riffs, contrasting with Danny Wagner .
For the first time in a long time, a rock band was given the chance to prove themselves even before releasing a full album, and the Americans seized the opportunity. Despite criticism about similarities to Led Zeppelin, the group managed to exploit the situation in the best possible way, appealing to adults who miss a new sound reminiscent of the golden years, while winning over new fans unfamiliar with the bluesy and psychedelic rock of the 70s.
But Greta Van Fleet doesn't just remind you of the legendary Led Zeppelin. In the opening track, "Age Of Man," you can hear traces of Traffic, Rush , and Yes , a comparison that doesn't last long, because in the second song, "Cold Wind," you can hear something like Jimmy Page in Kiszka's riffs, which give the album energy, contrasting with the opening track.
In “When the Curtain Falls,” the album’s first single, Greta Van Fleet combines all the strongest elements of 70s rock and delivers a beautiful hit. “Watching Over” and “Lover, Leaver (Taker, Believer),” the following singles, form a strong sequence that is consolidated with the latter. The song explores the quality of each band member – Sam and Danny’s rhythm, Jake’s riffs, and Josh’s range.
“You're the One”, recently released, is a ballad that uses acoustic guitar and gentle, light vocals to deliver romantic lyrics: “You're the person I want / You're the one I need / You're the one I had / So come back to me” – unlike the upcoming “The New Day” and “Mountain of the Sun”, which carry a lighter energy, but don't stand out.
“Brave New World” arrives to break the indifference of the previous tracks. Despite its calmness, the song is heavy and mysterious, holding the listener's attention until it reaches “Anthem,” the album's final track, which, judging by its title, carries expectations that are not met.
Anthem of the Peaceful Army is a great debut album and brings back elements that transformed rock decades ago, but it doesn't offer the possibility of fan excitement or turmoil.
