THE GEORGIA THUNDERBOLTS – DEBUT – EP REVIEW

For many of us 2020 has brought a few forks in the road, challenges, disappointments and great sadness. For this reviewer it was twice cancelling a road trip of dreams to the States. 

But I shouldn’t have worried because on the 21^st August 2020, The Georgia Thunderbolts brought fresh Southern Rock soul into my home once again with the release of their self-titled debut EP via Mascot Records. Confidently announcing their presence and planting their flag firmly in the Southern Rock and Blues musical timeline.

The Georgia Thunderbolts are comprised of Riley Couzzourt [Guitar], Logan Tolbert [Guitar], Zach Everett [Bass, Harmony vocals, Keys], Bristol Perry [Drums], and TJ Lyle [Lead vocals, Piano, Harmonica].

Hailing from Rome, Georgia at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and friends since high school, the band have been taken under the wing of many established acts like Black Stone Cherry and the Kentucky Headhunters, whose frontman Richard Young also produced the EP. Now add a little Lynyryd Skynyrd and Allman Brothers into the mix, ladies and gentleman you now have The Georgia Thunderbolts. Don’t make the mistake though that this band is merely an imitation, yes there is influence but additionally there is a modern thoughtful soul behind the music. As well as, blistering blues, raw rock and smile inducing riffs.

As their website stateS “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.” I couldn’t agree more.

Shortly after touring with the likes of Black Stone Cherry and the Kentucky Headhunters, they hit the iconic Barrick Recording Studio in Glasgow, Kentucky, where the former worked on their albums Family Tree and Kentucky. The resulting EP comprises 5 equally polished and no-nonsense Southern Rock style anthems featuring classic riffs and drums which know they’ve been hit.

The first few bars of Looking For An Old Friend feels like getting a big hug that very old friend. The relaxed guitar mixed with the sharp accurate drumming makes this a hugely chilled back but uplifting song, which will quickly feature on many a road trip playlist.    

The second song So You Wanna Change The World, increases the tempo and introduces a heavier rock element, which is the perfect aperitif to the air punching Lend a Hand and Spirit Of A Workin’ Man. The EP is rounded off perfectly with a slower change of pace in Set Me Free which indicates this band as really thought about the composition of this EP. Something which many forget.

Now I will confess I am a huge Southern Rock fan but an honest, independent review needs to be thought about and I’ve listened to this EP a number of times, enjoying more and more after each listen. But from the start and every time since one historical lyric popped into mind

 ‘Forget your lust for the Rich Mans’s Gold, All that you need is in your soul.’ – Lynyrd Skynyrd, Simple man.

It is the soul in this EP that makes it stand out and I look forward to the development of The Georgie Thunderbolts with excited anticipation. Right, where can I buy a T-Shirt from.

SCORE 8/10

TRACKLIST:

1. Looking For An Old Friend
2. So You Wanna Change The World
3. Lend A hand
4. Spirit Of A Workin’ Man
5. Set Me Free

Release Date:

21st August 2020

Label:

Mascot Records

For all things Georgia Thunderbolts, click HERE and to listen and purchase the EP, click HERE