Throwing Mountains

Hey there, Zoo Freaks! Your favorite hippie DJs at THE ZOO are spinning the epic track Throwing Mountains by Kansas, straight from their 2020 album The Absence of Presence. This song is a beast, clocking in at over six minutes and dubbed a “mini-epic” by guitarist Zak Rizvi. He’s not kidding—Rizvi called it one of the heaviest tracks Kansas has ever recorded, with a riff that bassist Billy Greer likened to the “Thunder of the Gods” for its dynamic, godly energy. Keyboardist Tom Brislin, who penned the lyrics alongside Rizvi and drummer Phil Ehart, described it as a straight-up anthem about firing up your confidence and conquering any obstacle—perfect for today’s wild world. Greer also shared that it’s a total blast to play, with that thunderous riff driving the band’s live energy. The music video, which you can check out on YouTube, dropped on April 17, 2020, giving fans a taste of the album’s intensity before its July release. Fun fact: the song’s creation leaned heavily on newer members like Rizvi and Brislin, whose fresh contributions helped Kansas recapture their classic prog-rock vibe while pushing boundaries.

Now, let’s dive into how Kansas got their start. Hailing from Topeka, Kansas, the band formed in 1973, but their roots trace back to the late ’60s when guitarist Kerry Livgren and bassist Dave Hope played in a local group called The Reasons Why. By 1970, they’d merged with other Topeka musicians, including drummer Phil Ehart, to form an early version of Kansas. After some lineup shifts and a brief stint as White Clover, the classic lineup—Livgren, Hope, Ehart, vocalist/keyboardist Steve Walsh, guitarist Rich Williams, and violinist Robby Steinhardt—came together in ’73. Their big break came when Don Kirshner, a music mogul, signed them to his label after hearing their demo. Their self-titled debut dropped in 1974, blending hard rock with progressive flourishes, thanks to Livgren’s songwriting and the band’s unique violin-driven sound. Hits like Carry On Wayward Son and Dust in the Wind from albums like Leftoverture and Point of Know Return skyrocketed them to fame, cementing their status as prog-rock legends. Over the decades, Kansas has sold over 30 million albums, evolving through lineup changes while staying true to their intricate, soulful sound.

Want to keep up with Kansas? Their official website is kansasband.com, where you’ll find tour dates, merch, and news. On Facebook, they share updates, throwback photos, and tour announcements, while their Instagram is packed with behind-the-scenes shots and concert clips. Follow them on X for real-time updates and fan interactions. For Zoo Freaks who can’t get enough, check out fan communities like the Kansas Band Fan Group on Facebook, where fans swap stories, photos, and rare memorabilia. There’s also kansasfans.com, a fan-driven site with discographies, tour archives, and forums to connect with fellow devotees. So, crank up Throwing Mountains, join the fan frenzy, and keep rocking with Kansas!