Rock N Roll in 2019 , let alone almost for the entire past decade, the community has been all over the spectrum.. Bands like the Foo Fighters, Green Day (with 2016's amazing LP Revolution Radio), and with The Black Keys finally releasing new material since 2014, they're keeping rock n roll alive .
Out of left field back in 2017 came a band called Greta Van Fleet . With the release of their EP Black Smoke Rising( Ep standing for extended play , which is only 3-5 songs so not quite an album), the most standout composition was "Highway Tune " the single that made the Billboard mainstream rock stations in September of 2017. When I first heard it, I thought "Whoa! Led Zeppelin made a new song ? I wasn't alone .
Greta Van Fleet was formed out of Frankenmuth, Michigan and consists of vocalists Josh Kiszka, guitarist Jake Kiszka, bassist Sam Kiszka, and drummer Danny Wagner. As if my comment above didn't give it away , the band is heavy influenced if not clones of Led Zeppelin. With Jake's Jimmy Page like distorted , heavy, and bluesy guitar hooks and riffs and Josh's vocals being so close to Robert Plant's howl, the band quickly drew fans and critiques apart . The main debates about this band are as follows : Keeping rock n roll alive ? Or be original and creative . I'm here to give my two cents.
As I said earlier, it's no secret that GVF is heavily influenced on Led Zeppelin . Part of me is happy knowing that kid's my age appreciate the great Led Zep. However, it's one thing to sound exactly like them . This is where I stand 50/50. To see a band play with actual instruments in this day and age, let alone musicianship is something I tip my hat off to . However, as much as I love Led Zeppelin, we don't need another one . Now granted , it's been said and proven that some of Led Zeppelin's greatest songs have been copied and re-written from blues legends of the past . Most notable "Whole Lotta Love" being inspired and copied by Muddy Water's "You Need Love." However, after Zep's two first landmark albums , they went on to create their own sound . This is where I agree with the other side . If GVF want to become a successful band and have a devoted following , they need to develop their own unique sound and make it their own and to prove that rock is alive and running well . With only one full LP in their catalog Anthem of the Peaceful Army, I hope the band can really dig deep and find themselves . They got the talented for sure. Now make it your own.
