For their second full-length release, entitled Rise Above It All, The Georgia Thunderbolts have expanded on their formula of what I like to refer to as “the new generation of southern rock.” Taking bits of classic rock inspired riffs and infusing them into new songs that offer the best of blues, country, and soulful ballads, they have indeed avoided any thoughts of a “sophomore slump.” As good as their first release was, this one is much more of a solid effort.
Led by the powerful, soulful vocals of singer TJ Lyle, the 13 tracks show what this band really is-a solid unit that makes well-crafted songs. The opening number, “Gonna Shine” starts the ball rolling like a bullet from a gun. It’s a great mix of pop and today’s country music, with a harder edge. This holds true with many of the tracks, including “Moonlight Play” and “Wait” both of which I can imagine would be blasting out of the jukebox of virtually any honky-tonk bar.
I have long been a fan of harder-edged rock. Guitarists Logan Tolbert and Riley Couzzourt supply just that, which gives this band’s music the balls that hit you like a punch in the arm. The title track, as well as “She’s Gonna Get it” and “Pricetag” the albums closing number, have that crunchy guitar tone that separates them from classic 70s southern rock bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd but remind me of the sounds of ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons.
Lyle is also an expert balladeer. His piano accompanies the introspective “Rock and Roll Record” and the lovely, soul and gospel infused “Crawling My Way Back to You” spotlight his range as a vocalist. He is very talented, and obviously confident in his abilities, and well-schooled in his approach to material. Surrounded by some great musicians, that also include bassist Zach Everett, and drummer Bristol Perry, this band has what it takes to breakthrough from small to large stages as a headliner. An excellent second album in Rise Above It All and a great stage show make The Georgia Thunderbolts a band to take notice for any fans of vintage rock who are looking for something new and extremely pleasing.
~ Junkman
