The Georgia Thunderbolts Reveal Debut Full-Length Album, ‘Can We Get A Witness’ Released 15 October via Mascot Records / Mascot Label Group
19th July 2021Ushering in a new generation of southern rock with their own soulful blend, The Georgia Thunderbolts have already been called “timeless” by American Songwriter, “your new favorite southern rock band” by Classic Rock, proof that “southern rock continues to thrive in the 21st century” by Rolling Stone and now, fresh off a performance at Paste they reveal details of their debut album.
To celebrate the announcement, they’ve put their hand to Frankie Miller’s “Be Good To Yourself,” infusing a muscular energy highlighted by powerhouse performances. “Miller was a huge inspiration to Rod Stewart, Paul Rodgers, and even Bob Seger,” TJ says, “We put our own twist on it.”
Whether it be on the banks of the Mississippi River or deep in the heart of the English countryside, rock ‘n’ roll lives, breathes, and burns on the outskirts. Hailing from Rome, GA at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, The Georgia Thunderbolts’ are TJ Lyle [lead vocalist], Riley Couzzourt [guitar], Logan Tolbert [guitar], Zach Everett [bass, harmony vocals, keys], and Bristol Perry [drums]. “We all grew up on rock music,” Riley says. “If I could think of three words to describe us, they would be ‘Hardworking, Determined, and Humble’.”
Hardwork is ingrained into the band. “My dad is one of the hardest working men I’ve ever known. From sun-up till sundown, he’s always working,” TJ says. So, in turn, the singers’ days are spent driving bulldozers, bobcats or laying water mains, bustin’ his ass in the heat on construction sites, and the evenings ripping up rock ‘n roll joints. “It showed me from an early age that you have to work for what you have; nothing is handed to you,” he reflects.” “It’s hard work,” he continues, “but I have a piano at home, and no matter how exhausted I am, when I get in, I want to play music.”
They’ve a wide swath of inspirations, ranging from southern gospel, Hank Williams, Jr., Neil Young, Little Feat, Waylon Jennings, Ozzy Osbourne, Audioslave, Bad Company and of course, Lynyrd Skynyrd. Gigging tirelessly, they cut their teeth by playing live with The Allman Betts Band, and Blackberry Smoke to Kentucky Headhunters & Black Stone Cherry amongst others.
They hit the iconic Barrick Recording Studio in Glasgow, KY to record with producer Richard Young. The resulting album comprises thirteen undeniable anthems steeped in anthemic riffs, wild harmonica, and pulse-pounding drums. From the bluesy blend of “So You Wanna Change The World,” to “the first song we ever wrote,” the dynamic “Looking For An Old Friend,” The Georgia Thunderbolts rustle up a new era of rock ‘n’ roll, informed by their history in Rome, a town with a deep agricultural history. So when they sing, “Spirit of A Workin’ Man,” you better believe they mean it. “It’s got a deep lesson to it. You can’t knock down the little man,” TJ says. The album title, “Can We Get A Witness,” represents “overcoming the obstacles in life,” TJ adds. “Everybody has their ups and downs, but it’s how you persevere and prosper through adversity that shows your true colors. The song ‘Can I Get A Witness’ is a statement that goes out to anyone who has the desire and faith in themselves and others to be successful.”
There’s a message to what we’re doing,” Bristol says “It’s okay to be yourself. If you’re going through hard times, the music will always be there. We’d love to remind everyone of that.”
1. Take It Slow
2. Lend A Hand
3. So You Wanna Change The World
4. Looking For An Old Friend
5. Spirit Of A Workin’ Man
6. Midnight Rider
7. Be Good To Yourself
8. Half Glass Woman
9. Dancin’ With The Devil
10. Can I Get A Witness
11. Walk Tall Man
12. It’s Alright
13. Set Me Free
14. Better Run From The Beast (Vinyl Bonus Track)
