From the Fires — Greta Van Fleet Early Access Album Review
It feels so good
“All eight of these songs share a theme of basic humanity”
Josh Kiszka
First off, HUGE thanks to Heidi Robinson-Fitzgerald, PR rep for the band, for giving me this opportunity.
I got my hands on an early copy of From the Fires, the upcoming double EP released by Greta Van Fleet. Long story short, it rocks. Hard.
This album includes all four tracks from their original EP, Black Smoke Rising, that was released earlier this year. It includes four new tracks, mushing together two EP’s into one. Black Smoke Rising, their debut, was a reinvention of classic rock in the modern era, and with new songs added on, From the Fires sets a much more solid foundation for the band’s true sound.
With the monstrous success of the initial debut, there was no way for the new double EP to bust. With the older tracks on the album, it would still be solid, even if all the new songs weren’t as good. Luckily, they are.
Although Black Smoke Rising was released just this year, the band seems to have matured drastically.
The time period between the recording of “Highway Tune,” and new material, such as “A Change is Gonna Come,” is noticeable. This song is soulful and heavy-hitting, rocking a half-time groove, with much more emotionally driven lyrics. Gospel choirs chime in behind Josh Kiszka’s spirited voice, and I was invested in everything he was singing. It’s warm without being overdramatic, hitting the perfect sweet spot of rock ballads.
It’s been too hard living
But I’m afraid to die
Cause I don’t know what’s up there baby
Beyond the sky
— “A Change is Gonna Come”
This maturity also applies to “Meet on the Ledge,” a relaxed rock song that almost reminds me of “When the Levee Breaks” by Led Zeppelin. It throws in a beautiful duet of whammy electric and acoustic guitar chords, backing up comfortable vocals. The mixture of these two factors during the chorus leaves goosebumps on my arms, especially when Josh Kiszka hits the piercing notes.
On the other hand, if you want to rock out, “Talk on the Street” is for you. This song brings the roots of catchy riffs and bombastic drums that we know and love Greta Van Fleet for.
My complaint with the new double EP is that no song stands out as much as “Highway Tune” does. There’s a reason it was Greta Van Fleet’s hit, but I craved songs that made me head-bang a little harder.
Don’t get me wrong — I appreciate the maturity and direction the band is taking. Maybe there will be another “Highway Tune” in the future.
Make sure to check out From the Fires when it releases November 10th on all platforms.
Follow me on Twitter and check out my original Black Smoke Rising review! Also, follow Greta Van Fleet on Twitter for music updates. Thanks again Heidi Robinson-Fitzgerald and Republic Records for this opportunity!
Check out what UTIOM is listening to, and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more music updates and reviews.
