Retro flavored rock has been all the rage for the last few years. Whether it be of the hard, blues, or southern kind, bands from all walks of life have thrown their hat into the ring to become “the next big thing”. Some shot to the top, only to fall down even faster (Greta Van Fleet). Others capitalized on the current trend, despite practicing their craft for years beforehand (Rival Sons). And some just rode on the coattails of these flagship acts (too many to name). But if I were a betting man, I’d bet all my chips that “the next big thing” is The Georgia Thunderbolts. “Who?” Good question…
The Georgia Thunderbolts is a five piece southern rock assault hailing from, you guessed it, Georgia. Ideally speaking, they’d be spending this summer busting their humps on the concert circuit; winning over fans through the power of pure electrified rock n’ roll, just like their ancestors before them. Instead, they’re cooped up inside with the rest of us commonfolk. That leaves it to amateur journalists like yours truly to spread the good news contained in their five song self titled EP.
The Georgia Thunderbolts opens with the warm, sun kissed grooves of “Looking for an Old Friend” and “So You Wanna Change the World”. Both songs are straightforward southern rockers with a healthy dose of soul. Frontman TJ Lyle leads the way with his Ronnie Van Zant meets Paul Rodgers delivery. Add some country harmonies, scorching guitar solos, and a hard hitting rhythm section and voila! What more could you ask for? Well hold on to your horses buckaroo. We’re just getting started.
After this friendly intro, the boys kick it up a notch for “Lend a Hand”. Did somebody say Skynyrd? It’s loud and bluesy with an anthemic chorus that has the potential to dominate rock radio. RVZ and the gang are most definitely proud. My choice cut, “Spirit of a Workin’ Man”, is next up. While similar in name and approach to Blackfoot’s “Diary of a Working Man”, this dark, gritty number is its own beast: a testament to the unwavering ethic of the American working man.
Fully encompassing all facets of the southern rock spectrum, the EP closes with the 7 minute opus, “Set Me Free”. Sly and ominous in nature, it’s a total throwback to the days of album rock, showcasing some serious jam tendencies in the vein of The Allman Brothers Band and Free. What’s most amazing about this EP is it sounds like it could’ve come out 45-50 years ago, as well as this past weekend. This is truly the mark of timeless music and The Georgia Thunderbolts make it effortlessly. I can’t tell you how many new southern rock band have been recommended to me, only to sound like a third rate Black Crowes. To say The Georgia Thunderbolts are a breath of fresh air is an understatement.
While the masses may not feel the thunder this year, I feel a storm a brewin’ come 2021 (or whenever the hell we get out of this pandemic mess). If this is what The Georgia Thunderbolts can accomplish on a five song EP, I can only imagine what a full length has in store. The future is bright, thunderous, and smothered in southern goodness!
7 out of 10
Label: Mascot Records
Genre: Southern Rock
For fans of: Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers Band, Free