Greta Van Fleet is back with not only a new song but a release date for their second album. After two years, the Peaceful Army will be gifted a new album, The Battle At Gardens Gate, on April 16, 2021. Just yesterday, the band released the second single off of the upcoming album, ‘Age of Machine’. Both releases showcase incredible growth from their ‘Highway Tune’ days yet emit two different journeys.
Many of us here at BANDED connected over Greta Van Fleet, so to take the peaceful route, we’ve each shared a short review for ‘Age of Machine’. Enjoy….
ANGEL:
I am utterly convinced that everything Greta Van Fleet touches turns to gold. ‘Age of Machine’ is Greta Van Fleet authentically at their finest. As I listened, I meditated on the words that flowed from Josh’s lips. I was mesmerized by Jake's haunting guitar riff, Daniel’s heart-pounding drum beats, and the hearty bass brought to us by Sam. Greta Van Fleet isn’t holding anything back in this new era. Let me tell you, this new song is further proof of that. The profound lyrics in this song combined with the heavy rock n’ roll sound will have your head banging in an instant and your mind racing. The Battle At Gardens Gate is going to be a timeless record, unlike anything Greta Van Fleet has ever produced. ‘Highway Tune’ feels like a distant memory compared to where the band is now. These four incredibly talented guys from Frankenmuth, Michigan are reintroducing themselves to the world. They are digging from a deeper place in this new record, and it’s coming from depths of their being. Without a doubt, I believe wholeheartedly that they were born for this.
BAYLEE:
When I first listened to the opening riffs, I felt like I was listening to an entirely different version of ‘Brave New World’ for a second and then I heard Josh’s wails and I thought, “Okay. Here we go.”
As ‘Age of Machine’ progressed, I started thinking that it felt more like a sequel to Brave New World and I began to really enjoy it. The chorus, Jake’s guitar solo, everything about it. Between ‘Age of Machine’ and ‘My Way, Soon’ - I think Age of Machine really takes the cake and it makes me feel especially excited for what’s to come on the new album.
CHLOE:
Age of Machine makes a grand appearance as the obvious sequel and foil to Age of Man. As Greta moves symbolically from one era to another, so too do they remind us of the successions of eras within mankind’s existence. We move with them from the ‘Age of Man’ through to the ‘Age of Machine’. There’s an almost primordial power within it that recollects something inherent and organic. Something within ones self that’s gone long ignored.
For me, ‘Age of Machine"‘ put me in a mindscape filled with other people and spirits, something that many of us have missed wretchedly since the beginning of coronavirus. Connection. It makes a dignified entrance as the beginning of a new era for Greta Van Fleet.
EVIE:
Age of Machine is a transcendental train ride through a dark, barren tunnel. The train is rickety and you almost fear for your safety as the song hauntingly fades in, then grabs you and pulls you down a trippy, spiraling rabbit hole. For the next six minutes and fifty-three seconds, you are in a timeless space. Anything can happen here. Perhaps even your worst nightmares can be revealed here; the meditational length of the song and the clever hypnosis cast upon the listener through the instrumentals take you on a one-way journey through space, time, hell, and heaven all at once. Stories of those who have returned from this journey reveal sensations of shaking, convulsing, overwhelming emotions, body possession, and feeling...oh god, the feeling…remarking “Nothing can prepare you for it” and “You will never be the same”. The voyagers elaborated, stating they heard and felt the energies of musician spirits such as Rush and Muse, through their journey down the tunnel. One can only confirm these claims if they, too, buy a one-way ticket to ‘Age of Machine’ and back. So, what lies beyond the garden's gate, and why must we battle for it? If you decide to take the journey...well, see you on the other side.
ISABEL:
With callbacks to their first LP Anthem of the Peaceful Army - to 'Age of Man' name wise and 'Brave New World' sound-wise - Greta Van Fleet make their fans go from 'What is this promo campaign?' to the edge of their seats in days. The song itself dives into some darker and mysterious sounds with some surprising vocals in the beginning. Lyrically, the song explores themes of a technic driven present and hope for healing in the future. After hearing this song on repeat, I'm very interested in how the two songs Greta Van Fleet already released play in the whole picture of the new album - which sounds will bind the songs together and how the songs will balance the lyrics about made experiences, curiosity and darker themes.
REBECCA:
Sun down. Stars out. Smoke rising. Silhouettes on stage. ‘Age of Machine’ instantly envelopes me with the same feelings experienced at a live Greta Van Fleet show. Similar yet different to ‘Age of Man’, ‘Age of Machine’ is a slow burn and I’m transported to a time that I can only imagine is reminiscent of live rock n roll shows in the 60’s and 70’s. It feels like they’re picking up exactly where the rise of rock had once left off. As the chorus builds in the warmth of backing voices against Josh’s, suddenly, I feel whole. I’m surrounded by the music and the community that gets what this band and this music is all about.
‘Age of Machine’ truly sets the tone for the rest of 'The Battle At Gardens Gate’. I look forward to hearing how the album ebbs and flows.
Listen to ‘Age of Machine’ on our Rock My Soul playlist HERE.