Album review: THE GEORGIA THUNDERBOLTS – Can We Get A Witness

Mascot Records [Release date 15.10.21]

The Georgia Thunderbolts hail from Rome, Georgia, and comprise vocalist TJ Lyle, Riley Couzzourt (guitar), Logan Tolbert (guitar), Zach Everett (bass, harmony vocals, keys), and Bristol Perry (drums). They have already put out a well-received five song EP last year and now we get the band’s debut album, which features all the songs from the EP plus eight more southern rock flavoured delights.

Opening with ‘Take It Slow’, the song certainly doesn’t live up to its title being a veritable rocking tour de force. The harmonica and guitar combine well on here. ‘Lend A Hand’ follows a similar hard rock route, before we get to a classic southern rock ballad, Lynyrd Skynyrd style, on ‘So You Wanna Change The World’. Drummer Bristol Perry sounds like he may explode through your speakers at any moment!

‘Spirit Of A Workin’ Man’ is one of those songs you hear and know will become a staple of a band’s live set. ‘Can I Get Witness’ is another one of those type of songs, heavy on the guitar and rhythm, slow and moody, another fine song.

As the band wisely say about this album – “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.” A real pick me up album and one that you will want to come back to again and again. ‘Be Good To Yourself’ is the album’s theme tune, full of fine guitar riffs including a rather splendid solo, piano and an uplifting lyric and chorus.

The Georgia Thunderbolts are another band keeping the spirit of southern rock alive and well. Along with Robert Jon & the Wreck, one of the best new bands out there plying their musical trade in the southern rock and blues arena. On album this band impress mightily and I am guessing live they will be just as good, or possibly even better! ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)