Greta Van Fleet is one of Michigan's proudest rock bands! From playing in Fischer Hall in their tiny town Frankenmuth, to booking world tours. Vocalist Josh Kiszka, Guitarist Jake Kiszka, Bassist/Keyboardist Sam Kiszka, and Drummer Daniel Wagner are currently in their prime right now, mid twenties, traveling the world, learning new things, and producing music for fans everywhere of all ages.
I was lucky enough to attend their last show of the Dreams in Gold tour where they debuted four songs off their upcoming album Starcatcher, set to be out July 21st. One of the songs, Sacred The Thread was released as a single on May 19th. Their new album name is obviously the inspiration behind my blog name. Greta Van Fleet's music has done so much for me personally so it only felt right to take inspiration from them for something that is so special to me. Which is also why I am here now, telling you all how I interpret this song, what I see in it, and how it makes me feel!
Drums, drums, drums! As an avid fan of Greta Van Fleet I can't tell you how excited I was to hear that this track is heavily drum influenced. The reverb on Josh's voice is defintely a change for their typical sound, but I would love to hear this in more of their future songs! It also makes me wonder what their previous songs could sound like with a reverb. It brings out the artistry in what they create. The song is written about his jumpsuits, "I always like to think that some peoples first impression of Greta Van Fleet in concert is 'Wow, these guys really like dressing to the left and blowing shit up.' This song is particularly important to me because it's about my jumpsuits." -Josh Kiszka. The singer is often faced with hate comments on social media about his stage outfits, but I almost feel like the song is an ode to his own past as well, we know from an interview with his mom that Josh was not exactly welcomed with warm arms by his peers in highschool. A 'black sheep' if you will. Many people might think it's silly to write a song about a jumpsuit, but let me break it down for you.
I really just want to talk about the lyricism of the song. One of the lyrics from the song that jumps out at me the most is, "unraveled the glow that once was dim" this sounds like he is finding himself again, through all the hate and judgement he's rediscovered his inner glow. A repeating lyric in the song that sticks out is"to dress up a wound, heal a scar," it's almost like the singer see's himself as something needed to be covered up, or to be ashamed of but when he puts on these "sacred" outfits all that negative energy just disappears. It's healing his heart and all the "wrong" that is thought to be in himself. A lyric that comes just shortly after, "like freedom sewn" further makes me believe that these jumpsuits are what makes him feel at peace. It's not just a stage costume it's apart of him. He feels free the moment he gets in a jumpsuit and steps onstage. I don't think this song only represents Josh though, all the members express themselves in their stage outfits. The lyric, "I see me, through colors, gems, and trim" could be about all of the members. Daniel, Sam, and Jake also all have multiple bedazzled outfits, each unique to each member. The creative mind behind their stage outfits is Amber Doyle. She did a great job at capturing each of the boys' personlity and what they put into the band. Recently all four of the members started sporting makeup onstage as well, which is just another way of them showing people you are free to be who you are! Makeup isn't new to Josh or Daniel but, Jake surprised fans his smudged black eyeliner, and Sam with his metallic eyeliner. With that being said, the band has found a new confidence in what they wear, and how they wear it! Now, who else dresses up their wounds and scars in these beautiful materials, jewelry, and gems? The fans! I would love to think this song was also written for their fans, who seemingly always outdress the band according to Josh, he might have to step it up.
I know I said I was focusing on the lyrical side of things, but I do want to touch a bit on the musicality of it all. This song has been growing and changing since the start of the Strange Horizons tour in 2021, when they started teasing it for fans as Josh would sing "I'm tripping on the light, I feel it hugging me so tight". The studio version opens strong with Daniel on drums, something new for the band! We always want to hear Daniel's "drums pound", but sometimes the other instruments and Josh's voice can really drown him out in the studio versions rather than live where he's the star of the show! Sam has a subtle yet influential bassline and Jake takes us away with his riffs. At the end of the song fans have discovered they may have even used a harp. I will always have such a huge respect for this band and the way they produce their music, and their message. There will always be an easter egg or something for the listener to point out and ponder over! Another mystery at the end of the song is what Josh is whispering. Many fans believe he is saying "I don't wanna", but this will probably remain a mystery because that's how the band likes to keep things. People on their toes, coming up with ideas, using their own thoughts to conjure up a sort of "theory". As Sam says they don't want to "spoon feed us", he finds it somewhat insulting. I can't wait to hear the rest of the album and the third single which is speculated to be The Falling Sky, a track that Sam provides vocals on! Thank you for tuning into StarCatcher's first song review, make sure to revisit next week for more melomania.
Word provided by @starcatcherphotos, Kota
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