Watching Over

The Zoo Crew is spinning the cosmic vibes of Greta Van Fleet's "Watching Over" from their debut album Anthem of the Peaceful Army, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its powerful message. This track, released as the second single on September 7, 2018, is a call to action about humanity's environmental impact, urging listeners to recognize the planet's plight. In a promotional video for the album, frontman Josh Kiszka narrated, "The power of music transcends sound itself," hinting at the song's deeper purpose of promoting love and unity. The song's plodding pace and choir-backed dynamics create an atmospheric plea, with lyrics like "I wonder when we’ll realize/This is what we got left/And it’s our demise" striking a chord with fans. Interestingly, "Watching Over" was paired with the album's announcement on X, where the band shared, "With wholehearted affection we share news of our forthcoming album... enjoy our newest song 'Watching Over.' Hearken and ruminate!" This post sparked excitement among fans, amplifying the song's reach.

Another layer of trivia comes from the song's critical reception. Everything Is Noise praised "Watching Over" for standing on its own merits, noting its melody and production as a highlight where Greta Van Fleet stepped away from their oft-cited Led Zeppelin comparisons. The track's heavy, head-bobbing rhythm and Josh Kiszka’s signature screech within the first 30 seconds make it a standout for live performances, though it’s less dance-driven than the album’s lead single, "When the Curtain Falls." Fans on Facebook and Instagram often share clips of the song’s live renditions, with its choir-like backing vocals creating a spiritual, almost otherworldly experience. The song’s environmental message also resonates with the band’s broader ethos, as they’ve spoken in interviews about their love for nature, shaped by their upbringing in Frankenmuth, Michigan, where they built rafts and explored rivers as kids.

Greta Van Fleet began their journey in 2012 in the small town of Frankenmuth, Michigan, a place known more for its tourist charm than rock stardom. The band consists of three brothers—twins Josh Kiszka (vocals) and Jake Kiszka (guitar), and younger brother Sam Kiszka (bass, keyboards)—alongside their childhood friend Danny Wagner (drums). Music was in their blood, with their father being a professional musician, and the brothers practiced in their family garage, initially playing covers at local biker bars. Jake’s dream of forming a band took shape when he recruited his brothers and original drummer Kyle Hauck, who was later replaced by Wagner. Their early gigs were raw, with the band performing at high school functions and small venues, honing their craft. In 2017, their big break came when they signed with Lava Records, releasing their debut EP Black Smoke Rising. The single "Highway Tune" soared to the top of Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart, cementing their rise.

The band’s meteoric ascent continued with their second EP, From the Fires, which won a Grammy for Best Rock Album in 2019, and their debut album Anthem of the Peaceful Army in 2018, which topped the Billboard Rock Albums chart. Their influences, including Led Zeppelin, Rush, and Aerosmith, are evident in their sound, though they’ve faced criticism for leaning heavily into classic rock nostalgia. Despite this, their raw talent and electrifying live shows have won over fans worldwide. Josh Kiszka’s vocal style, inspired by Robert Plant and Joe Cocker, paired with Jake’s blistering guitar riffs, Sam’s groovy basslines, and Danny’s thunderous drums, create a sound that’s both retro and fresh. The band’s authenticity shines through in their commitment to songwriting, as Sam Kiszka told Rolling Stone, emphasizing that crafting songs is their core focus.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, Greta Van Fleet’s official website offers tour dates, merch, and updates. Their Facebook and Instagram pages are buzzing with behind-the-scenes content, while their X account keeps fans in the loop with poetic posts about new releases. Fans can also connect on the Greta Van Fleet Wiki, a fan-run site packed with detailed discographies and trivia. The Greta Van Fleet Fan Club on Facebook is a lively community where supporters share concert photos, discuss lyrics, and celebrate the band’s journey. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new Zoo Freak, Greta Van Fleet’s music and story are a wild ride worth joining.