Greta Van Fleet, Auckland NZ, 2019

Greta Van Fleet

10th September 2019
Logan Campbell Centre, Auckland, New Zealand.

Review by Sarah Kidd. Photography by Doug Peters.

It was second time around for the four young men from Michigan, as Greta Van Fleet strolled into Auckland last night after postponing their original concert date back in February. Sadly, the rescheduled event did not come with a change of venue, the curse of the concrete bunker known as Logan Campbell Centre befalling the outstanding act.

Greta Van Fleet are already at the top of their game, which will make the release of their sophomore album rather interesting. Having been consistently compared to the iconic Led Zeppelin by audiences and critics alike, Greta Van Fleet have stated that they will soon be changing direction with the aim to record something ‘more outlandish’. Where that will take them remains to be seen.

Last night however was all about their current vibe which quite frankly is one that thoroughly encompasses all that was so wonderful about that era of sixties and seventies music; where sanctity was found in lush green fields and psychedelics were the order of the day. The fact that so many comparisons of Greta Van Fleets music has been made to bands such as the aforementioned Led Zeppelin, The Who, and early blues musicians such as John Lee Hooker is really not that surprising considering these – along with several other artists of similar ilk – are who have influenced these young men from such a young age. And is that really such a bad thing? Music, much like fashion being cyclic in the history of humanity anyways…

Regardless of the denunciations, the four piece who feature three siblings and a long-standing friend have already released two stunning extended plays and a debut album. And none of them have even reached the age of twenty-four yet.

Greeted by their exuberant fanbase, Greta Van Fleet appeared primed and ready to go, their outfits that included military themed jackets, scarves and flower motifs reminiscent of the Woodstock era, reflected by many in the audience. With a smile that shone brighter than the stage lighting, his arms raised to the heavens, vocalist Josh Kiszka wasted no time leading the group straight into a rousing version of ‘The Cold Wind’, the musical proficiency of each member immediately evident.

Barefooted just like his younger brother Sam Kiszka on bass, Josh strut the stage as he let out a howl to introduce ‘Safari Song’, the irresistible riffs and anthemic chorus seeing their fans punch the air as they shouted ‘your heart’ back to the band with relish. While it cannot be denied that Josh does indeed sound like Robert Plant in his heyday, what fails to be acknowledged by many of their naysayers is the fact that at only twenty-three, he is already vocally more accomplished than most artists. Combined with the powers of his twin brother Jake Kiszka on lead guitar, who casually knocks out lengthy solos while barely breaking a sweat and you have a recipe for success. A recipe that has already netted them a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album.

While those down in front were having the time of the lives, their hearts, souls and minds fully invested in the show before them, fans further back struggled to find a decent spot for quality of sound, many becoming restless and forming a continuous stream of bodies that ebbed and flowed around the room and out into the foyer, the topic of the ‘muddy’ and ‘abysmal’ mix soon becoming the subject matter of many a bathroom line.

This should in no way be a reflection on the band itself who by now had moved through the covers section of their set, their rendition of ‘Watch Me’ by Labi Siffre one that was immensely pleasing. An acoustic intro for ‘You’re the One’, soon saw couples in the crowd sway to the slower pace, as Sam displayed his prowess on his Hammond B3 electric organ, his skills on par with such musicians as Ray Manzarek of The Doors, the young musician seamlessly sliding between organ and bass guitar throughout the evening.

As the show progressed so did the solos, the already impressive Danny Wagner on drums being allowed the room to let fly with his sticks, Jake Kiszka transcending both time and space on the strings that at certain points were almost otherworldly. The only reproval of such behaviour being that there is a fine line between show-stopping solos and noodling to the point that you can lose your audience’s attention despite individual members dexterity being of the highest calibre.

Finishing with ‘When The Curtain Falls’ from their debut album Anthem of The Peaceful Army and Greta Van Fleet kept their fans waiting before returning for the obligatory encore, which was once again an opportunity for Jake and Danny to flex their muscles, Josh stepping back and adding additional veiled cries that sadly were lost in the mix, but visually were magnificent to watch.

Those who refuse to let obvious similarities colour their opinion will no doubt see the beauty in Greta Van Fleet, a band that has somehow not only united generations of fans under one roof but brought back to the forefront of modern music the essence of rock n roll. No mean feat in an era where EDM and disposable pop rule the airwaves.

Long may it continue.

Were you there at the Logan Campbell Centre for this hard blues rock gig? Or have you seen Greta Van Fleet perform live somewhere else? Tell us about it in the comments below!

Setlist:

1. Cold Wind
2. Safari Song
3. Black Smoke Rising
4. Flower Power
5. Watch Me [Labi Siffre cover]
6. The Music Is You [John Denver cover]
7. You’re The One
8. Black Flag Exposition
9. Watching Over
10. When The Curtain Falls
11. Lover Leaver (Taker, Believer) [encore]
12. Highway Tune [encore]
13. Lover Leaver (Outro) [encore]

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