Greta Van Fleet goes back to their roots with new single, 'The Falling Sky'

Greta Van Fleet releases the fourth single of their ten track album Starcatcher. ‘The Falling Sky’ is the perfect example of the band saying they were going back to their roots for the new album, yet still holding a new sound. 

The song begins strikingly, guitarist Jake Kiszka wields his sword, surging through with a sharp, mighty sound. The guitar pairs flawlessly with the crispness of the drums and bass. Lead singer Josh Kiszka, amply projects his vocals, producing that “in your face rock n roll” feel. Moving to the chorus, Josh comes in hot, belting out “Holding up the falling sky”, backed by the vocals of bassist Sam Kiszka. For the bridge, Josh breaks into a harmonica solo, calling back to the band's love for blues music. The song embodies that new “Starcatcher” feel as well as capturing elements similar to Greta Van Fleet’s earlier sound.

Jake took to the band’s Instagram on release day, giving an explanation as to what the song meant, “An unwavering warrior caring on the endless; eternal, and impossible battle for salvation; these were the elements of symbolism associated with this particular track. In essence our fate is sealed, alike the stars that fall from the almighty heavens to the earth. This philosophy is carried through in the story of a bluesman, at the crossroads of the universe.”. 

In an interview recently, guitarist Jake Kiszka and drummer Danny Wagner explained how ‘The Falling Sky’ came to be what it is. The original title was ‘Fire On This Land’, Jake had come up with the riff years ago. The rest of the band later built off the guitar riff Jake had created, each adding their own parts, thus creating what is now ‘The Falling Sky’. 

As July 21 approaches, fans are ready to hear Starcatcher in its full capacity. Greta Van Fleet begins their world tour just three days after the release of the album. Be sure to grab tickets to see their stunning performance.

Cover photo: Joe Greer