Greta Van Fleet

W/ Ida Mae

Friday, May 10

Orlando Amphitheater, Orlando FL

Greta Van Fleet are the real deal. The first bona fide post millennial Arena Rock band.

A creature heretofore believed to be extinct. Arena Rock now being practiced almost exclusively by classic bands to a well heeled AARP audience. But with a crowd I’d estimate at 7,000, made up of a 3 separate generations of fans, well they have tapped into something. But before I dive into the performance review, etc., I gotta address the thing that always has to be addressed.

It’s been long enough since they made their astonishing debut, but there are those still making a big fuss about three things.

1.They are really young.

2.There’s no one named Greta in the band. And . . . .

3. They sound a lot like previous bands who last had their heyday in 1980.

The last point is a really big deal to some folks.

But here’s what’s not up for dispute. GVF took the stage after 9 pm, with no dumb props. No gimmicks. No hokey cover song that piqued the interest of an over 40 radio programmer. Not even any video screens.

They took the stage, 4 young guys, with a kick ass light show, and some really catchy, memorable songs. And they played with all the intensity of men with something to prove, and the confidence that comes from being truly amazing at what they do.

They were smart enough to extend most songs only by a minute or two. Their one extended jam, “Lover, Leaver (Taker, Believer)” shifted it’s footing and rhythm enough to stay interesting and not get stuck in one spot. Swaying, stomping, whispering, before exploding, as expected.

The millennials in attendance exhausted by self deprecating indie acts, want a cocksure rock act to call their own. A band unafraid to put on a big show with big sing along songs, without apology. There’s a reason so many over 60 types were in attendance. The music is really good and reminds them of another time. And many, for the first time in a long time, are excited about a new act.

You want to piss and moan that they sound like someone else who’s done something similar?

So what.

You know who cares?

No one in attendance this night or any other. I wish only the best for this band still toiling in the dying medium called rock music. This may be the shot of adrenaline to kick start guitar and drum sales once more.

Opening act Ida Mae, a husband and wife duo of Chris Turpin and Stephanie Jean, hail from the UK and play swamp flavored bluesy Americana. They were really good. Their version of Dylan’s “I Shall Be Released” was soulful and upbeat. Their originals were lost in this setting And it can be hard to connect with an audience on such a big stage. And as good as they were, it felt as though they were much better suited for an intimate environment.

www.gretavanfleet.com