Album Review: Greta Van Fleet, Starcatcher

Greta Van Fleet have had a lot of pressure placed on their young shoulders since first bursting onto the scene in 2017. Pressure creates diamonds, though, and over the past six years, the Michigan mob have enjoyed a glittering career. They’ve steadily risen through the ranks, armed with an apparently unwavering belief in what they do, and an old school work ethic to match their old school sound. Third album Starcatcher is set to help the Zeppelin-loving foursome ascend even further – it’s a swaggering affair that marks a welcome return to their garage band roots.

Described as a sonic exploration of the duality of fantasy and reality, the LP tells tales of vision quests and emotional unrest, all while battering our ear drums with glorious Plant and Gillan-esque shrieks (‘The Falling Sky’). Elsewhere, there’s fret wizardry that calls to mind early Joe Perry (‘Fate Of The Faithful’). Still unashamedly in thrall to The Riff, there are no nudges, winks or tongues in cheeks on Starcatcher. GVF “mean it maaaan”, and that makes you love them all the more.

Standouts include the Fruupp and Horslips-flavoured ‘The Archer’, and the bloodthirsty pub-rocker ‘Runaway Blues’, which will be staples in their live set for many moons. Those hungry for new rock gods, take a deep breath: your prayers have been answered.

Listen: ‘The Archer’
Score: 7/10

Out today via Republic Records.

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