What's Happening?
Dustin Arbuckle and The Damnations have released their new album, 'Fight Like The Devil or Run Like Hell,' featuring 11 tracks over 48 minutes. The Wichita, Kansas-based band, led by Dustin Arbuckle, aims to blend blues with rock & roll, country, and soul,
drawing inspiration from the freewheeling approach of Los Lobos. Arbuckle, who previously spent 15 years in the duo Moreland and Arbuckle, formed The Damnations after deciding to create a more homegrown band. The band includes Brandon Hudspeth on guitar, Caleb Drummond on bass, and Colby Aiken on drums. Hudspeth is a seasoned musician with multiple Blues Music Award nominations, while Drummond and Aiken are music school graduates with diverse musical backgrounds. Arbuckle writes most of the lyrics, with the band collaborating on instrumentation. The album opens with 'Heaven Forbid' and includes the title track, 'Fight Like The Devil or Run Like Hell,' which addresses life's challenges. Other songs like 'Desperate Love,' 'Must Be Travelin’ On,' and 'Small Branch Motel' explore themes of love, a musician's life on the road, and the transient nature of travel. The album also features a cover of Bob Dylan’s 'Tombstone Blues' and concludes with 'Didn’t I,' a gospel blues track.
Why It's Important?
The release of 'Fight Like The Devil or Run Like Hell' by Dustin Arbuckle and The Damnations is significant for the U.S. blues and roots music scene. It showcases a band committed to expanding the traditional boundaries of blues by incorporating elements of rock & roll, country, and soul, potentially attracting a broader audience to the genre. Dustin Arbuckle's history as a finalist in the International Blues Competition and his previous band's Blues Music Award nomination lend credibility and a proven track record to this new endeavor. The diverse musical backgrounds of the band members, including Brandon Hudspeth's extensive experience and the rhythm section's formal training, contribute to a rich and varied sound that could influence contemporary blues artists. This album represents a continuation of Arbuckle's artistic journey, moving from extensive touring to a more localized band structure, which could inspire other musicians to explore different career paths within the music industry. The album's themes, such as the struggles of a musician's life and dealing with adversity, resonate with universal experiences, making the music accessible and relatable to a wide range of listeners.
What's Next?
Following the release of 'Fight Like The Devil or Run Like Hell,' Dustin Arbuckle and The Damnations will likely focus on promoting the album through various channels. This could include live performances, potentially at blues festivals and music venues across the U.S., to connect with their fanbase and attract new listeners. Given Arbuckle's previous experience with extensive touring, the band might strategically plan their performance schedule to balance reach with a more 'homegrown' approach. Radio airplay, particularly on blues and roots music stations, will be crucial for increasing visibility, as hinted by the song 'You’re Gonna Hear Me on the Radio.' Reviews from music publications and online platforms will also play a role in shaping public perception and driving album sales. The band may also explore collaborations or participate in music industry events to further establish their presence. The success of this album could determine future recording projects and the band's trajectory within the competitive U.S. music landscape.
Beyond the Headlines
The album 'Fight Like The Devil or Run Like Hell' delves into deeper cultural and artistic implications beyond its immediate release. Dustin Arbuckle's conscious decision to model his band on Los Lobos' 'freewheeling approach' highlights a broader trend in music where artists seek to transcend genre limitations, fostering innovation and cross-pollination within American musical traditions. This approach challenges the purist notions often found in blues, suggesting a more inclusive and evolving definition of the genre. The album's lyrical content, which touches upon themes of struggle, resilience, and the transient nature of a musician's life, offers a contemporary narrative within the blues framework, reflecting modern experiences while honoring historical roots. The blend of seasoned veterans like Arbuckle and Hudspeth with formally trained musicians like Drummond and Aiken also speaks to the ongoing evolution of musical education and collaboration, bridging traditional apprenticeship with academic training. This fusion of styles and experiences contributes to the rich tapestry of American music, ensuring its continued relevance and dynamism in a constantly changing cultural landscape.
