Natural Science

Zoo Freaks, you're in for a treat as the Zoo Crew spins "Natural Science" from Rush's 1980 album Permanent Waves. This nine-minute epic, the album's closing track, is a three-part suite—Tide Pools, Hyperspace, and Permanent Waves—written by drummer Neil Peart. It explores the balance between nature and technology, with lyrics like "Wheels within wheels in a spiral array" reflecting on humanity's complex relationship with progress. A cool tidbit from the Rush Vault reveals the band recorded the song's opening water sounds by splashing oars in a lake at Le Studio in Quebec, with guitarist Alex Lifeson capturing natural mountain echoes for the guitar track—no synthetic effects needed! Fans on Reddit have noted the album cover, featuring a photo of the Galveston Seawall during Hurricane Carla, ties into the song’s tidal imagery, with early pressings including a Coca-Cola sign that was later removed after legal threats.

Another gem comes from a 1980 Guitar Player interview quoted on Rush Vault, where Lifeson described placing a speaker cabinet outside to record the natural echo off the mountains for the song’s water track. Peart himself, in the Merely Players book, shared that "Natural Science" emerged after three days of writer’s block, born from a burst of inspiration blending ecology, commercialism, and artistic integrity. A Reddit discussion highlights fans’ love for the song’s cyclical chord progressions, which mirror its lyrical themes, and its return to live sets after a 16-year hiatus, cementing its status as a fan favorite. One user called it “their greatest song ever,” praising its seamless flow despite its multi-part structure.

Rush, the Canadian rock trio, began in 1968 in Toronto’s Willowdale neighborhood. Originally, the band included guitarist Alex Lifeson, drummer John Rutsey, and bassist/vocalist Jeff Jones, but Geddy Lee quickly replaced Jones. After their self-titled debut in 1974, Rutsey’s health issues led to his exit, and Neil Peart joined just before their first U.S. tour, forming the iconic lineup that lasted until 2015. Their early sound, as noted on Wikipedia, mixed hard rock and heavy metal, with Peart’s lyrics drawing from sci-fi and Ayn Rand philosophy. Albums like Fly by Night (1975) and 2112 (1976) built their cult following, but Permanent Waves marked a shift to shorter, radio-friendly songs while keeping their prog-rock edge, propelling them to wider fame.

Stay connected with Rush’s legacy through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can dive deeper at Rush Vault, a treasure trove of band history, or join discussions on The Rush Forum. The Rush Fans Facebook Group is another vibrant spot for Zoo Freaks to share their love for the band’s intricate music and cerebral lyrics. Keep rocking, and let "Natural Science" take you on its cosmic ride!