Dancin’ With The Devil

The Zoo Crew is spinning The Georgia Thunderbolts' track "Dancin’ With The Devil" from their debut album Can We Get A Witness, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this gritty southern rock anthem. This song, as noted in a review by Rock At Night, fulfills an unwritten rule that every southern rock band must have a tune with "devil" in the title, and "Dancin’ With The Devil" delivers with its beat-driven energy and searing guitar riffs. The track’s raw power is amplified by the band’s ability to channel influences like Lynyrd Skynyrd while injecting a modern twist, as highlighted in a Life Music Media review that praises its "Sweet Home Alabama" vibe, complete with prominent guitars and subtle Hammond organ flourishes. In a 2021 YouTube official audio release, the band described the song as a high-octane exploration of temptation and risk, resonating with their Rome, Georgia roots where life’s struggles and triumphs are deeply felt. The song’s placement on the album, nestled among tracks like "Spirit Of A Workin’ Man" and a cover of The Allman Brothers' "Midnight Rider," underscores its role as a nod to southern rock tradition while pushing the genre forward.

Another layer of trivia comes from the song’s production at Barrick Recording Studio in Glasgow, Kentucky, under producer Richard Young. According to a Sonic Perspectives feature, the band’s time in the studio was marked by a relentless work ethic, with frontman TJ Lyle often pushing for one more take to capture the song’s raw emotion. The track’s harmonica, played by Lyle, adds a wild, bluesy edge that Rock and Blues Muse called a standout feature, evoking the untamed spirit of the band’s live performances. Fans on The Georgia Thunderbolts’ Facebook page have shared stories of hearing "Dancin’ With The Devil" live, describing how the song’s infectious rhythm had entire crowds stomping along, a testament to its communal energy. The band’s Instagram posts from 2021 show behind-the-scenes glimpses of the song’s recording, with guitarist Riley Couzzourt tweaking his amp to get the perfect crunchy tone, a detail that guitar nerds among the Zoo Freaks would appreciate.

The Georgia Thunderbolts got their start in Rome, Georgia, a small town at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains with a rich agricultural history. As detailed in their bio on Mascot Label Group’s website, the quintet—TJ Lyle (vocals, harmonica, keys), Riley Couzzourt (guitar), Logan Tolbert (guitar), Zach Everett (bass, harmony vocals, keys), and Bristol Perry (drums)—grew up steeped in a diverse musical palette, from southern gospel and Hank Williams to Ozzy Osbourne and Little Feat. Their early days were spent cutting their teeth in local bars and small venues, where they honed their high-energy performances. According to a Rockpit article, the band’s big break came when they started sharing stages with heavyweights like The Allman Betts Band, Blackberry Smoke, and Black Stone Cherry, earning a reputation for their soulful swagger and blistering live shows. Their grassroots approach and relentless gigging caught the attention of Mascot Records, leading to the recording of Can We Get A Witness.

The band’s official channels are buzzing with ways for Zoo Freaks to connect. Their official website offers tour dates, merch, and album details, while their Facebook page is a hub for fan interaction, with posts about upcoming shows and throwback photos from their early gigs. On Instagram, they share candid moments from the road and studio, giving fans a glimpse into their tight-knit dynamic. Their X account is active with tour updates and playful banter, often retweeting fan reactions to songs like "Dancin’ With The Devil." For fan communities, the Georgia Thunderbolts Fan Club on Facebook is a lively group where supporters share concert photos, discuss favorite tracks, and organize meetups at shows. While no standalone fan websites were found, the band’s Bandcamp page is a go-to for diehards looking to snag digital downloads or vinyl of Can We Get A Witness, complete with fan reviews calling the album an "instant classic."