“Rock sensation” Greta Van Fleet has once again left their mark with their highly-anticipated third studio album Starcatcher under Lava/Republic Records. The band’s unique sound, blending classic rock with a fresh twist, has garnered them a devoted fan base of all ages and critical acclaim. They’re not a carbon copy of Led Zeppelin, but the inspiration is impossible to deny. They are a throwback to a bygone era of heavy rock. 

With Starcatcher, the Michigan-based band takes listeners on a thrilling journey through a dreamlike landscape, where duality and mayhem collide in organized chaos. Josh Kiszka, Jake Kiszka, Sam Kiszka, and Danny Wagner worked alongside Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb (known for his work with artists like Chris Stapleton and Brandi Carlile). The band has crafted the album at the legendary, and historic, RCA Studios in Nashville capturing the raw energy and passion in their live performances.

Lead singer Josh Kiszka describes Starcatcher as “a dangerous and delightful expedition into both violent and gentle dreamlike landscape.” The album’s core theme revolves around the contrast between fantasy and reality, light and darkness.  It unfolds like a storybook, inviting fans into a world teeming with mythological characters and motifs. Sonically the album is a blend of anthemic blues rock, cinematic prog rock, and psychedelic space rock tinges.

“Fate Of The Faithful,” right off the bat the album starts off strong, and vintage, with a Wurlitzer piano. The song is laid back, it unfolds at its own pace, taking the time to draw you into the album.

“Waited All Your Life” the lyrics in this song welcome the listener as a newcomer, you’ve traveled a long way to get here. They’re certainly a metaphor, though it’s unclear where we’ve arrived.

“The Falling Sky” this song doesn’t have very complex lyrics, but I suppose they make up for it with the instrumentation, particularly the harmonica solo.

“Sacred The Thread” the lyrics speak about the transformative power of creativity and imagination. The imagery of sequins, light, colors, gems, and trim represent elements of art and self-expression. 

“Runway Blues” this song has hardly any lyrics. Here’s all of them so you can sing along: Touch down in San Fransisco / Na-an, na-na, na-na / Bound for New York City / Na-na, na-na, na-na / Well I’d love to say a long goodbye / But I don’t know that I have the time, yeah.

“The Indigo Streak” each instrument fits into it’s own pocket in this song, and each rings out showing off its personality. There’s even room for the background vocals in the mix.

“Frozen Light” features a gritty guitar that complements the song’s philosophical lyrics. The heavy reverb of the vocals adds to the atmospheric tone of the song.

In “The Archer” the desert vibe from earlier resurfaces, but the real star of the show is the lead guitar of course. Towards the end of Starcatcher, the musical storytelling gains momentum, as they gear up for the finale.

“Meeting The Master” is very similar “Stairway to Heaven”, given its intricate vocal harmonies and captivating melody. With its catchy nature it’s quickly becoming the most popular song on the album.

“Farewell For Now” serves as the final gem in the album’s crown, captivating listeners with its sublime sound.  is a captivating and heartfelt song that directly addresses the listener, expressing gratitude for their unwavering love and support.

The song directly addresses the audience, expressing heartfelt gratitude for their unwavering love and devotion. With its enchanting guitar melodies and resonating drum beats, it provides a true delight for the ears and serves as the perfect way to conclude Greta Van Fleet’s most ambitious album to date.

The band’s exploration of profound questions, such as the origins of the universe and consciousness, adds a layer of philosophical depth to the album.  As they continue to push boundaries and redefine their sound, Greta Van Fleet’s musical journey promises to be an enthralling one, as they take their listeners on an exploration of the cosmos, blurring the lines between fact and fiction, brutality and beauty. Bassist Sam Kiszka muses, “When I imagine the world of Starcatcher, I think of the cosmos. It makes me ask a lot of questions, like ‘Where did we come from?’ or ‘What are we doing here?’” Listeners should brace themselves for a surreal adventure into the unknown.

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