Greta Van Fleet - Aragon Ballroom, Chicago, IL 12/14/18 (words and images by Mark Kadzielawa)

Great Van Fleet is a very exciting new band with a great feel for classic rock sound.  Yes, many compare this young band to Led Zeppelin, but at the end of the day it all comes down to music and the songs.  Greta Van Fleet has great songs, and the public is clearly responding to that.  Before you decide to slap a label, listen with clear mind, and then form your own opinion.  This happened to be one of the three nights the band sold out at the Aragon Ballroom.  They must be doing something right in order to do that, and they certainly are.

The band took the stage with a fury opening with Brave New World off the newly released Anthem of The Peaceful Army.  And it just got progressively better with each track.  Vocalist, Joshua Kiszka, felt like he's spent a lifetime on stage.  He was nailing every note at ease, and looked like he really enjoyed himself.  As was the rest of the band.  Great Van Fleet was truly having great time.  They looked hungry, excited, and simply went for it.  The band took chances with every track, improvising, and having fun with the music.

Guitarist, Jacob Kiszka, approached his instrument as if it was part of him.  He meant business from the moment he stepped on the stage.  Jacob is certainly a very intense player, and he knows how to channel electricity on stage.  The rhythm section, Samuel Kiszka and Daniel Wagner provided a solid backdrop for Jacob and Joshua to shine.  And they deserve as much credit.

As a whole band, Greta Van Fleet showed incredible amount of spirit and excitement of stage.  There was a lot of joy among the players, and it spilled onto the audience.  It was great to see a band so much into what they are doing.  It's been a while since I was excited about any new music lately, but Greta Van Fleet may just be the band that will take classic rock into the new century.

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