The best description I can offer for the kind of music they play is that it's authentic. You have The Reverend Peyton, a wild-eyed hillbilly, guitar picking with his own style. Then you have Jayme Peyton on drums playing a simple snare, kick, cymbal and bucket set-up. That's right, I said bucket.
The last member of the band and the true anchor of their distinct sound is Breezy Peyton on washboard.
The trio's sound harkens back to early delta blues and poses more raw energy then most punk bands. One thing that can definitively be said about them is that they are hard-working people who know how to excite a crowd. With the over 250 shows a year they've performed since forming in 2006, they have learned how to write music that is true to their style and transcends the limitations of their instruments. The Whole Fam Damnly has its raucous songs like the opener, "Can't Pay the Bills" and "Your Cousin's on Cops" (supposedly a true song), but you may be surprised to know that as great as those are the best songs are slower and more introspective.
"Worn out shoe" is great with its foot-stomping rhythm and its down-home harmonica lead and solo. The Reverend sings "Worn out memories, and a worn out shoe. Guess I'm getting a little, worn out too," as only a man who has given it his all can do.
My favorite song is probably 'Them Old Days are Gone." Lyrically it hit home more then anything I've heard in a long while: "Them old days are gone and they ain't coming back ... I used to be so ashamed. Now Mama, I couldn't be more proud."
The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band is a refreshing outfit and the new album is a welcome addition to the music of this era. The Reverend himself sings in an old country field-holler style, the kind you would have heard before turn-of-the-century blues. They may have an old-fashioned sound but they take on modern subjects. They sing about being broke and they sing about the biggest predator of them all, Walmart. They tell it like it is and like it should be.
They have made a profound album and I count myself as one of their biggest fans. Also, when you buy their album they will give you the family recipe for Persimmon Pudding. It is worth buying just for that blue-ribbon recipe, trust me.

Rating: 4 of 5 stars.

For more info go to: www.bigdamnband.com/