The Cold Wind

The song The Cold Wind by Greta Van Fleet from their debut album Anthem of the Peaceful Army carries a gritty, blues-rock vibe that the Zoo Freaks are sure to dig. Written around 2013–2014, the track began with an acoustic guitar and a bass riff blending country and blues influences. Guitarist Jake Kiszka shared in an interview with MLive that the band had been performing The Cold Wind live for years before recording it, allowing the song to evolve organically. He noted, "It took on a new life from the energy we accumulated from playing it live for so many times. It became a very organically rock and roll song, and it fit the personality of the record." This live-performance seasoning gives the song its raw, road-worn edge, perfect for the Zoo Crew’s vinyl-spinning sessions.

Lyrically, The Cold Wind paints a vivid, almost cinematic tale of a harsh pilgrimage, with lines like “Oh sweet mama, lay me down in my grave / Leave me baby, I’m too far gone to save.” Critics, like those at Pitchfork, have poked fun at its melodrama, pointing out its blend of dying-narrator pleas and a quirky moment where a “Yankee peddler” bargains for a new dress mid-song. Yet, this mix of earnest storytelling and retro swagger is what makes it a standout for fans. The song’s creation was also tied to a spooky experience during recording in a Nashville cabin. Drummer Danny Wagner recounted hearing a little girl’s laugh while alone, and Jake admitted to getting “nice and drunk” and talking to spirits, which added a haunted mystique to the album’s vibe.

Greta Van Fleet formed in 2012 in Frankenmuth, Michigan, a small town known for its tourist charm. The band consists of twin brothers Josh Kiszka (vocals) and Jake Kiszka (guitar), their younger brother Sam Kiszka (bass, keyboards), and drummer Danny Wagner. The Kiszka brothers grew up in a musical household, spinning their parents’ vinyl collection of blues and folk records, which shaped their sound. Jake, inspired by guitarists like Jimmy Page and John Lee Hooker, dreamed of forming a band and began jamming in their family garage. Initially, the lineup included drummer Kyle Hauck, but Wagner joined later, solidifying the group. Their name, inspired by a local resident, Gretna Van Fleet, was chosen with her blessing, adding a quirky nod to their hometown roots.

The band’s breakthrough came in 2016 when their song Highway Tune was featured on the TV show Shameless. This exposure led to a deal with Lava Records in 2017, followed by their debut EP, Black Smoke Rising. Their second EP, From the Fires, won a Grammy for Best Rock Album in 2019, cementing their rise. Known for their Led Zeppelin-esque sound, the band embraces diverse influences—Jake loves rock, Sam leans toward jazz, Danny favors folk, and Josh is drawn to world music. Their unapologetic retro style has sparked debate, but their talent and electrifying live shows have won over fans worldwide, including the Zoo Freaks tuning into THE ZOO.

Fans can connect with Greta Van Fleet on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, behind-the-scenes photos, and milestones like the fifth anniversary of Anthem of the Peaceful Army in 2023. The band’s official website, gretavanfleet.com, offers tour dates, merch, and news. For Zoo Freaks looking to join the fandom, fan-run sites like Greta Van Fleet Wiki dive deep into the band’s history and discography. Facebook groups such as The Peaceful Army provide a space for fans to share concert experiences and discuss the band’s music, perfect for the Zoo Crew’s hippie spirit.