Song Review: Greta Van Fleet’s “Meeting The Master”
The long awaited track from Michigan rock band Greta Van Fleet has finally arrived. “Meeting The Master” was released on April 7th, 2023, and is the first single off of the band’s upcoming album, Starcatcher. Written by band members Daniel Wagner, Jake Kiszka, Josh Kiszka, Sam Kiszka, and producer Dave Cobb, the listener gets an introductory glimpse into the dazzling world Greta Van Fleet has created to introduce their next era.
The song fades in and begins with light, intricate acoustic strums and picking from guitarist Jake Kiszka. The echoing and melodic voice of vocalist Josh Kiszka soon joins to usher listeners into the first verse, laced with a delicate vibrato that only the most talented of singers could execute so beautifully. The track slowly builds, adding layer upon layer, to an eventual ethereal climax. Drums crash in from all angles, paired with a powerful switch from the classic acoustic guitar to the transient blooming of an electric Gibson. The bass rings though the listeners’ ears and travels through the body, complete with masterful vocal exclamations that seemingly puncture the atmosphere. After an intense explosion of sound and expression of devotion towards the “master,” the song resolves into a repetitive yet pensive and meditative end. The track is truly an experience in every sense of the word, creating a captivating and enthralling piece perfect for the introduction of this new era and a gratifying addition to Greta Van Fleet’s discography.
As is customary with the band, the lyrics are invariably ambiguous, but the song evidently follows the narrative of a devout acolyte passionately expressing his anticipation to meet his master, as well as captivated with the aspects of his spiritual environment. Listeners do not yet know who the “master” is, and what this universe holds, but will perhaps find out with the release of Starcatcher later this year. Greta Van Fleet guides fans into a fantastical world that they have dubbed as “esoteric,” just waiting to be explored, accompanying a highly anticipated story line that their audience is waiting to dissect and unpack.
The track is quickly climbing the charts, currently (as of this article’s post date) stationed at #23 on the iTunes chart and #5 on the rock chart.
Though aggravating yet charmingly taciturn, I am confident fans can expect some more surprises from Greta Van Fleet before the release of their third studio album, Starcatcher, on July 21, 2023. Until then, listen to “Meeting The Master” HERE.
