Lover, Leaver

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Lover, Leaver" by Greta Van Fleet from their debut album Anthem of the Peaceful Army, and the Zoo Freaks are in for a treat with this fiery track. This song, released as the third single from the album in May 2019, actually has roots going back to 2014 when it was called "Lover, Leaver, Taker, Believe Her." The band reworked it into the six-minute epic "Lover, Leaver (Taker, Believer)" and a shorter radio edit, both peaking at number three on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart in June 2019. According to a post on X from September 20, 2018, the band shared their "thorough joy" in introducing the song, hinting at its significance to their creative journey. Lyrically, it’s a wild ride, blending fiery romance with mythical imagery, like references to a "witch of Endor" and Satan playing a flute, which some fans on Lyrics.com speculate might tie to biblical stories, though the band hasn’t confirmed this. The song’s raw energy, driven by Josh Kiszka’s howling vocals and Danny Wagner’s thunderous drums, makes it a standout, with WRSU praising its dynamic range and gritty riffs as a high point of the album.

Another cool tidbit about "Lover, Leaver" comes from its live performances, which predate its studio release. The band was already rocking it on stage throughout 2018, as noted on Wikipedia, giving fans a taste of its electric vibe before it hit the airwaves. Rolling Stone described it as a song about "love and Satan," capturing its intense, almost otherworldly vibe with Josh’s emotive crooning and Sam Kiszka’s grooving bassline. The track was recorded in Nashville’s Blackbird Studios and Michigan’s Rustbelt Studios, with production by The Rust Brothers, adding a polished yet retro feel that nods to the band’s 1970s influences. A live performance video shared on X on October 17, 2018, shows the band pouring their hearts into it, with Jake Kiszka’s screeching guitar riffs stealing the show. For Zoo Freaks digging the song’s retro swagger, it’s a perfect example of Greta Van Fleet’s mission to revive classic rock for a new generation.

Greta Van Fleet got their start in 2012 in Frankenmuth, Michigan, a small town known for its Bavarian charm. The band centers around three brothers—twins Josh (vocals) and Jake (guitar), plus younger brother Sam (bass and keyboards)—joined by drummer Danny Wagner. It all began in the Kiszka family garage, where Jake, who’d always dreamed of forming a band, started jamming with his high school buddy Kyle Hauck. As they practiced, Josh and Sam got roped in, and the chemistry was instant. Hauck later left, and Danny Wagner stepped in, solidifying the lineup. According to Wikipedia, their early days were fueled by the brothers’ love for their parents’ vinyl collection, heavy on blues and folk, which shaped their sound. Jake told NME in 2019 that they never set out to be a rock band—it just happened when they played together, blending Jake’s rock and roll, Sam’s jazz, Danny’s folk, and Josh’s world music influences.

Their big break came in 2017 when they signed with Lava Records and dropped their debut EP, Black Smoke Rising. The lead single, "Highway Tune," shot to number one on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart for four weeks, catapulting them into the spotlight. Their second EP, From the Fires, won a Grammy for Best Rock Album in 2019, cementing their status as rock’s new torchbearers. Kent Amplin Vocal Academy notes that Josh’s songwriting draws from literature and personal experiences, aiming to connect deeply with listeners. Today, they’ve sold over 3.5 million records and played massive festivals like Coachella. You can keep up with them on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X.

For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, there are some great fan communities out there. The Greta Van Fleet Fan Club on Facebook is a lively spot where fans share concert pics, discuss lyrics, and plan meetups. Another group, Peaceful Army, is dedicated to the band’s ethos of unity and music’s power to bring people together, inspired by Anthem of the Peaceful Army. On the web, Song and Fury Blog offers fan-driven reflections, like a detailed look at the album’s five-year anniversary, while Crazy on Classic Rock posts reviews and updates for diehard supporters. These spaces are perfect for connecting with fellow fans and celebrating Greta Van Fleet’s timeless sound.