Album Review: Greta Van Fleet – Anthem of the Peaceful Army (Republic Records)

The amount of fuss surrounding Greta Van Fleet’s debut album is a mix of exciting and concerning. On the one hand it’s always good to see the mainstream media to get interested in rock music but on the other them being referred to as the second coming of Led Zeppelin is intriguing if not a bit worrying. Here’s hoping that the bands debut album, Anthem of the Peaceful Army can stand on its own two legs. It is out now via Republic Records.

So let’s get it out of the way at the start…

Yes, Anthem of the Peaceful Army is a little too close to Led Zep for comfort. There is being inspired and then there is this. That’s not to suggest Greta Van Fleet are ripping anyone off (as if they could) but they have certainly modelled their sound on the 70’s rockers.

Now that’s out of the way the question is whether Anthem of the Peaceful Army is actually a good album. Well, the good news is that yes, yes it is. A very good album that sounds more like it belongs in a certain other time period then it does 2018 but as far as rock music goes, Greta Van Fleet have nailed their debut.

Opener Age of Man is all about its chorus, a powerful performance from both the guitars and the vocals. It sets up the album perfectly. Uncomplicated rock that has plenty of the ‘catchiness’ about it.

Try and put the comparisons out of your mind, something Greta Van Fleet don’t make easy. Try and enjoy the groovy riffs and excitable vocals of The Cold Wind and When the Curtain Falls in a bubble. Only Greta Van Fleet matter and what they’ve done here is very good and enjoyable.

You’re the One with its foot-tapping melody and easy to sing along with chorus. The New Day’s acoustic tune with its nice vibes and the super-country twang of Mountain of the Sun. All good rockin’ fun.

There are also some misses though. Tracks that lack energy and maybe try a little too hard to create the haze of an older rock sound. Watching Over is one such bland sounding track and Brave New World really doesn’t do much at all.

It’s also fair to say that the constant high-pitched vocals grate on occasion. They start at a high level and stay that way throughout. That is certainly not going to be for everyone.

There is a nice amount of confident swagger layered throughout the album. The kind that conjures up images of packed stadium shows over small club venues. On this showing that doesn’t seem completely out of the realm of possibility for Greta Van Fleet. They might have to find their own sound first though.

Greta Van Fleet – Anthem of the Peaceful Army Full Track Listing:

1. Age of Man
2. The Cold Wind
3. When the Curtain Falls
4. Watching Over
5. Lover, Leaver
6. You’re the One
7. The New Day
8. Mountain of the Sun
9. Brave New World
10. Anthem
11. Lover, Taker (Taker, Believer)

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The album is out now and can be bought/streamed via all major stores and services.