Greta Van Fleet – 'Palace For The People' review: big rock, little risk
The US band's new album with producer Mike Elizondo divides critics: Hot Press gives 7/10, Classic Rock wants more ambition. The band plays Germany in May 2027.
Photo: Stefan Brending (2eight) / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped and resized)
Single video: YouTube · GretaVanFleetVEVO · youtube.com
Single: Play Your Games
Greta Van Fleet released 'Palace For The People' on Republic Records on 9 October, their first album since 'Starcatcher' (2023). Mike Elizondo produced it, and the 13 songs run from opener 'Into The Beginning' to 'Born Into This'. According to 13th Floor, the concept is inspired by London's Alexandra Palace, known as the 'Palace of the People': it centres on community, resilience and shared experience rather than cosmic mythology.
Hot Press awards 7 out of 10: the Led Zeppelin and The Doors influences are still audible, joined by a grunge streak in the vein of Mad Season and Temple of the Dog. The guitar work, big hooks and the cinematic closer 'Born Into This' earn praise. Dave Everley is more reserved in Classic Rock: Josh Kiszka's vocals overshadow Jake Kiszka's guitar, the sound is familiar rather than adventurous, and one wants more ambition from this band. He criticises 'Play Your Games' for its vocal delivery.
The band comes to Germany in May 2027 with Larkin Poe as support: on 15 May at Munich's Olympiahalle, on 18 May at the Barclays Arena in Hamburg and on 21 May at the Uber Arena in Berlin. According to Rolling Stone, general ticket sales began on 9 October at 10am.