Just over a year after Indiana’s Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band turned in their last record the trio is back with another full album of sublime, stripped-down American Blues.
Poor Until Payday is simply more of the same great, Appalachian-tinged roots music the band has been churning out consistently since the early 2000s. The title track, though deceptively simple in both sound and lyrical content, is a prime example of how good this band is at what they do. Peyton’s burly rumble of a voice, his seemingly effortless slide guitar paired with Breezy Payton’s washboard, backed by the steady drumming of Max Senteney deftly blend together to create music that you can’t help but groove to. Part of the appeal comes in the simplicity of the lyrics – like the title track about wanting to treat your significant other to a good time, or “Church Clothes,” about needed needing to look better before going into town; delivered by anyone else, they’d likely just come off flat, but thanks to the inspired musical arrangements by these three and the Rev’s authoritative delivery, it comes across with Dylan-like impact.
Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band have consistently delivered one great record after another and with Poor Until Payday they clearly intend to keep that streak going.
Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band – Poor Until Payday/10 tracks/Thirty Tigers & Family Owned Records/2018