Greta Van Fleet: Is the Zeppelin Influence Amongst the Influences?

Greta Van Fleet is a young and aspiring rock band that has been compared to the iconic Led Zeppelin. This comparison brings up two questions: are they intentionally mimicking the Zeppelin sound, or are they simply drawing inspiration from classic rock? Additionally, the clarity of their lead singer's vocals is another factor. While they create good music, the lyrics are often hard to understand, which can be a significant barrier for many listeners.

Similarities and Influences

There are notable similarities between Greta Van Fleet and Led Zeppelin in several aspects. The band's lead singer, Josh Kiszka, exhibits vocal similarities to Robert Plant, and his stage presence closely mimics Plant's. However, the similarity in vocal style alone does not necessarily mean they are trying to replicate Led Zeppelin's sound. Greta Van Fleet's music also draws from many classic rock influences, including the likes of Blind Melon. Similar to Led Zeppelin, they have taken inspiration from a variety of artists, which is a common practice in the music industry.

For example, Led Zeppelin borrowed heavily from many artists that came before them. "Taurus" and "Stairway to Heaven" are prime examples where clear influences can be seen. Similarly, Greta Van Fleet's music may include elements from a range of sources, illustrating their evolving sound and where they draw their inspiration from.

The Early Years of Greta Van Fleet

Greta Van Fleet, being a young band, is still in the early stages of their musical journey. They are very early in developing their unique sound while drawing heavily from classic rock artists. While they show a strong Led Zeppelin influence, they also incorporate a variety of other rock and blues influences, such as Blind Melon. This diverse range of influences is a positive sign and indicative of their musical growth and potential. As they continue to evolve, it will be interesting to see how their sound develops.

It is natural for young artists to initially sound like their influences, similar to how Smashing Pumpkins began as a more or less Cure-style band and eventually developed their own unique sound. This progression is a healthy part of the musically creative process, and Greta Van Fleet is no exception. Fans and critics alike should focus on appreciating their art for what it is and not expect them to save rock or be flawless plagiarists. It would be unfair to put such high expectations on a band that is still maturing.

Conclusion

The music industry often sees bands being compared to those that came before them, and this is true for Greta Van Fleet and Led Zeppelin. However, it is important to remember that everyone starts with influences and builds their unique sound over time. Greta Van Fleet, like many other bands, has a love for classic rock and shows clear Zeppelin influence. But their music also includes influences from other rock and blues bands, making them a diverse and promising young band.

While the band's similarities to Led Zeppelin are striking, the focus should be on how they craft their own sound and further develop their own unique style. For now, Greta Van Fleet is a cool, young band making new music by listening to the great bands that came before them. They have a lot to do yet, and their journey is just beginning.