Did the sold-out crowd that packed The Basement in Columbus experience the “next big thing” to happen in music Tuesday night? The answer to that question could very well be a resounding “yes.”

Kicking off their first national headlining tour with a show in our fair city, Greta Van Fleet eschewed smoke and mirrors, opting to keep it simple. They rocked the crowd with a 15-song set that included three encore songs.

Brothers Josh (vocals), Jake (guitars), and Sam Kiszka (bass, keyboards) and close friend Danny Wagner (drums) reinforced the statement that rock is not dead.

Josh Kiszka
(Credit: S Toale / Music in Motion Columbus)

They opened with the straight-forward blues rocker Talk On The Streets. Dripping with a late 1960’s/early 1970’s rock sound, Josh’s vocals were easily reminiscent of a young Robert Plant. Jake pulled out a solo that channeled the best of Leslie West, delighting this reporter to no end.

The guitar riff that begins Black Smoke Rising had the audience cheering, singing along from the opening notes. The song had a more emotive feel than the recorded version, mainly due to the slower pace “live.” With Josh impressing by hitting the high notes, the groove for the evening was set.

They transitioned directly into the slow blues rocker Edge of Darkness, with the crowd loving every second of it. The sound mix was excellent, with all instruments and vocals coming through clearly in the mix.

Rounding out the trilogy without stopping, they transitioned into the uptempo When The Cold Wind Blows. Josh showed he has a wide vocal range, carrying the notes from high to low with ease.

By this point of the set, I was transported back in time to the rock shows of my youth in small venues (some of which that were cave-like) both in the United States and Europe. It was eerie and comforting, all at once.

Playing the second song of the night from their EP, they slowed the pace a bit with the emotion-filled Flower Power. Sam added understated flourishes with his work on the keyboards, as the song had everyone swaying to the rhythm.

Sam and Jake Kiszka
(Credit: S Toale / Music in Motion Columbus)

You’re The One, another slower rocker, had the band showing they know how to work a crowd, with Josh’s raw emotion shining through vocally. He positively wailed the line “You’re the one I want, you’re the one I need…”

Once again transporting the crowd back in time, they gave their cover of Howlin’ Wolf’s Evil Is Goin’ On an updated feel that made it sound fresh and new. Kudos to them for pulling it off flawlessly.

Mountain Of The Sun was next, a midtempo tune with a good groove that had your toes tapping along. The tambourine was a nice addition to the song. It was a simple and good rock-and-roll song.

The slower, melodic groove of Watching Over reminded one of the heyday of early 1970’s Deep Purple/Rainbow/Mountain. The chugging rhythm payed homage to those that came before, while encompassing the band’s updated take on this classic sound.

They showed their experience playing together for the last few years with the excellent Lover Leaver Taker Believer. Full of a Led Zeppelin/Blue Oyster Cult vibe, Jake performed a screaming solo with his axe, much to everyone’s delight.

Jake Kiszka
(Credit: S Toale / Music in Motion Columbus)

They brought the pace back up to an almost fever pitch as they launched into the first single from the EP, Highway Tune. With the crowd roaring their approval, the band played it with a bit of a faster pace than the recorded version, adding immediacy to the vibe.

The uptempo blues rocker Safari Song (from the EP) was the final song of their set. While it had a very Led Zeppelin sound to it, they made it all their own. Wagner’s drum solo at the end had the crowd roaring for more, before the band walked off-stage.

After a few minutes, they came back for the expected encore, launching into Stompin’ All Down. The slow blues-vibe was reminiscent of Ten Years After, with a wonderful jam at the midpoint of the tune.

Transitioning straight into I’m The One, the band managed to blow me away with their prowess on the slow blues rocker. I felt as if I was witnessing the genesis of something special.

(Credit: S Toale / Music in Motion Columbus)

Without missing a beat, they transitioned into a cover of Elvis Presley’s That’s All Right Mama. Without trying to sound too hyperbolic, they rocked the tune in a way that Elvis never could. When it was over, the crowd erupted with raucous applause for the four young men from Frankenmuth, MI.

I was left with the feeling after the house lights came up, that the next time I see Greta Van Fleet, it will not be in a small venue. I have no doubt that this band is destined for larger things in a very short time.

Finally, one must thank the parents of these four youngsters for exposing them to the music that defined an earlier generation. They have accepted the challenge of incorporating this iconic sound into what they are, while still managing to make what they do sound unique and fresh.

In short, I was “wowed.”

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Setlist

1. Talk On The Streets
2. Black Smoke Rising
3. Edge Of Darkness
4. When The Cold Wind Blows
5. Flower Power
6. You’re The One
7. Evil Is Goin’ On (Howlin’ Wolf cover)
8. Mountain Of The Sun
9. Watching Over
10. Lover Leaver Taker Believer
11. Highway Tune
12. Safari Song
13. ENCORE – Stompin’ All Down
14. ENCORE – I’m The One
15. ENCORE – That’s All Right Mama (Elvis Presley cover)

Greta Van Fleet – Highway Tune