The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band Raises a Ruckus on “Honeysuckle”

Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band

What’s old is new again as The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band breathes life into revivalist blues on “Honeysuckle.”

Released Friday, Feb. 21, via Family Owned Records, the trio’s 11th album polishes their stripped-down sound into a real roots record.

Led by Josh “Reverend” Peyton on guitar and vocals, he is joined by drummer “Brother Jacob” Powell and Peyton’s wife, “Washboard” Breezy Peyton, who also provides backup vocals.

Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band - Honeysuckle

In addition to Powell’s percussion—where he plays chains and other unconventional instruments—several guest artists contribute to the album’s dynamic sound. Gospel trio The McCrary Sisters lend their voices to “Looking for a Manger,” Grammy-nominated harmonica player Billy Branch adds his signature sound to “Nell (Prison Cell Blues),” Grammy-winning fiddler Michael Cleveland joins in on “Freeborn Man,” and Colton Crawford from The Dead South plays on “The Good Die Young.”

The album kicks off with the title track, where Peyton practically growls out the lyrics. He follows it up with the spirited “If I Had Possession Over Judgement Day,” featuring his fiery resonator guitar work.

On “Looking for a Manger,” Breezy Peyton takes the lead in a haunting call-and-response while keeping a slow, rhythmic groove on the washboard.

One standout track is “Like a Treasure,” which features Breezy’s uplifting vocals. While all 12 songs feel authentically retro, this one has the most classic charm.

One Dime Blues” boasts some truly innovative percussion. While the washboard is prominent, there’s a mysterious blend of sounds that make it all the more intriguing.

Thanks to Branch’s harmonica, “Nell (Prison Cell Blues)” has a loose, freewheeling energy, giving plenty of space for his instrument to both support Peyton and take the spotlight.

Freeborn Man” carries a rockabilly spirit that echoes the country blues revival of the 1960s, with Cleveland’s fiddle blazing a trail straight to the high road.

Peyton’s playing is at its best on the hypnotic “I Can’t Sleep,” where his guitar work lulls listeners into a trance. Meanwhile, “The Good Die Young” subverts expectations with its poignant storytelling, bolstered by Crawford’s contribution on banjo.

However, it’s the upbeat tracks like “Let Go” that fire me up the most—especially the way Peyton’s vocals sound like they were recorded under a dance tent at a blues festival.

The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band straddles the line between a roots band and a blues band, with “Keep Your Lamp Trimmed and Burning” being a prime example of their versatility.

The album closes with “Mama Do,” the fastest track on the record, telling the tale of a young man who wins over his love, her mother, and sister—while drawing the ire of her father and brother.

Even the album artwork for Honeysuckle stays true to the band’s roots, featuring authentic wet plate photography by Mississippi documentarian Bill Steber.

Clocking in at just 35 minutes, Honeysuckle condenses The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band’s powerful sound into a must-listen for fans of blues and roots music.

Catch The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band live with GAELIC STORM:
• March 23 – Grand Opera House, Wilmington, Delaware
• March 30 – The Birchmere, Alexandria, Virginia

Get “Honeysuckle” from Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Amazon Music, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Spotify, Tidal, Deezer and qobuz.