Photos by Estefania Rosario ; Written by Larissa Swatek
In a captivating blend of music and artistry, Greta Van Fleet took the audience of Austin, Texas on an unforgettable journey with their mesmerizing Starcatcher show. At Moody Center, the band’s performance transcended the boundaries of time and space, weaving a tapestry of sound that left fans spellbound.
The night began with a mesmerizing opening act by the up-and-coming band Mirador. Led by their vocalists Jake Kiszka and Chris Turpin whose ethereal vocals seemed to float effortlessly over cascading layers of guitars and drums, Mirador cast a spell on the audience from the first chord. The band created a sonic landscape that was both captivating and immersive. Mirador delivered a powerhouse performance, showcasing four unreleased songs “Feels Like Gold”, “Roving Blade,”, “Must I Go Bound,”, “Fortunes Fate”, and “Skyway Drifter”, Their undeniable talent paved the way for Greta Van Fleet to continue the musical journey.
As the lights dimmed and the curtain fell, the stage burst into life with a breathtaking display of fire, energy, and a kaleidoscope of lights and visuals, announcing the arrival of Greta Van Fleet. Frontman Josh Kiszka, adorned in shimmering attire evoking a celestial voyager, with his captivating stage presence and spellbinding vocals, commanded attention from the moment he stepped into the spotlight. His brothers Jake (guitar) and Sam (bass/keys), along with drummer Danny Wagner, formed a formidable musical powerhouse, channeling spirit while infusing their own vigor into every chord.
As the set unfolded, Greta Van Fleet led the audience on a voyage through the cosmos, with each song serving as a waypoint on the map. From the opening riff of “The Falling Sky” to the anthemic choruses of “Light My Love,” Greta Van Fleet took the audience on a sonic journey through time. Jake’s virtuosic guitar solos echoed throughout the arena, while Sam’s pulsating bass lines anchored the band’s sound with unwavering precision. Behind the drum kit, Danny drove the rhythm with relentless intensity, laying down the foundation for the band’s explosive live performance.
Yet, amidst the blistering guitar solos and thunderous drum fills, there were moments of quiet introspection. During acoustic tracks like “Waited All Your Life” and “Meeting The Master,” the band stripped away the layers of distortion to reveal the raw vulnerability at the heart of their music. It was in these moments that the true depth of Greta Van Fleet’s artistry shone through, transcending mere imitation to touch upon something universal.
As the final song “Farewell For Now” echoed into the stadium the audience basked in the afterglow of the celestial journey, there was a sense of collective awe, emotion, and wonder in the air. For those fortunate enough to experience Greta Van Fleet’s Starcatcher show, it was more than just a concert; it was a cosmic communion, a fleeting glimpse into the infinite expanse of the universe. And as the echoes of applause faded into the night, one thing was abundantly clear: Greta Van Fleet had captured the imaginations of all who dared to dream amongst the stars.
