Tumblin' Down

Zoo Freaks, get ready to vibe with "Tumblin' Down" by Leroy Powell And The Messengers from their 2010 album Atlantis, a track that’s got the airwaves humming with its gritty southern rock soul. This song is a standout, blending heavy, fuzzy guitars with a raw energy that critics have likened to an Allman Brothers and Deep Purple mash-up. One juicy bit of trivia comes from reviews of the album, where "Tumblin' Down" is noted for its bold, almost metal-like lyrics, with lines like “You’re the fire beneath the spoon/I’m the needle in the vein,” which have been described as the kind of words that’d make any rock fan’s heart race. The track’s intensity was honed on stage before hitting the studio, giving it a live, in-your-face feel that’s perfect for the Zoo Crew’s eclectic spin sessions.

Digging deeper, "Tumblin' Down" is part of an album that surprised listeners with its shift from Leroy Powell’s earlier country roots to a heavier, blues-infused southern rock sound. According to a 2011 review from Le Deblocnot', the song’s brutalized ballad style channels influences like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, making it a fiery follow-up to the album’s opener, "I Ain’t Human." The Messengers, featuring bassist Dean Tomasek and drummer Christopher Williams, brought a tight, road-tested groove to the track, with Powell’s expressive vocals riding over chugging riffs. It’s the kind of song that feels like it was born in a smoky bar, and the Zoo Crew’s spinning it to keep that vibe alive for all you freaks out there.

Leroy Powell’s journey to this sound started in Redlands, California, where he was born and raised. His dad got him strumming guitar and singing at age ten, sparking a love for music that led him to master bass, drums, harmonica, fiddle, and pedal steel. By 1998, he was in Los Angeles, jamming with funk, R&B, blues, and rock bands alongside members of Spearhead, Fishbone, and even Ike Turner. In 2001, Powell leaned into a countrified sound, mixing in his psychedelic rock and blues influences. His big break came touring with Shooter Jennings from 2004 to 2007, co-writing songs like “Lonesome Blues” and “Slow Train” for albums like Put the ‘O’ Back in Country. This gig put him on the map, leading to his 2007 self-titled solo album and eventually the formation of The Messengers for Atlantis.

Powell’s not just a studio guy—he’s a road warrior who’s played with legends like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Dickie Betts, and his work on Waylon Jennings’ posthumous Waylon Forever and the Soul Men soundtrack shows his versatility. You can catch up with him on his official website, where he shares updates on his cosmic outlaw vibes. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest on gigs and releases. For the Zoo Freaks who can’t get enough, check out the fan-driven Leroy Powell Fans Facebook group, a spot where devotees share love for his southern rock swagger. Keep those dials locked on THE ZOO, and let "Tumblin' Down" take you for a ride!