Dustin Arbuckle & The Damnations
Fight Like The Devil (Or Run Like Hell)

By Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro © September 2026

The latest release from Dustin Arbuckle & The Damnations is titled Fight Like The Devil (Or Run Like Hell). The band consists of front man and band leader Dustin Arbuckle on lead vocals and harmonica; Brandon Hudspeth on electric, acoustic and resonator guitars; Caleb Drummond on electric and upright bass, and harmony vocals; Colby Aiken on drums; with guest Kendall Newby on harmony vocals. The album's eleven tracks include seven originals that feature what the band describes as Delta blues, honky-tonk, Southern soul, and country-rock trucker's anthems.

Kicking things off is a track titled "Heaven Forbid". With the chorus line of "Heaven forbid I will meet you in hell" I can't help but wonder when Ryan Taylor wrote it if he was more worried about going to hell in the first place or meeting the person the song is aimed at when he gets there. Sounds to me like that would be a double whammy. Speaking of hell, the track features fiery harmonica leads, flaming guitar leads and a very heated rhythm.

I just love the name of the original and title track "Fight Like The Devil". Along with the rest of its title "Or Run Like Hell" it reminds me of life on the streets as a kid growing up in a Brooklyn hood. It addresses a decision one must make after being backed into a corner, and much more than a few times I've chosen to do both. Lyrically and musically, this full throttle blues rocker is by far my favorite of the lot. If I were still a Blues Music Awards nominator, this one would top my song of the year choices.

Two original songs that created the perfect segue are "Must Be Travelin' On" and "Small Branch Motel". The first one states "I wake up in the evenin', and I lay back down at dawn. Yeah, the nighttime is my time and I must be travelin' on" and the second one states "That big ol' neon sign outside keeps shinin' all night long, tellin' every traveler on the road 'here's a temporary home'". Together they are indeed the country-rock trucker's anthems referred to above.

"Always Gone" is good ol' slow blues at its best. As the title of this original song might indicate, this blues ballad addresses being away from home for long periods of time. Emotionally sung lines like..."Another day I'm so far from home, I miss my love, but I'm still have a mind to roam. I see haze on the highway and lightening in the sky, but my mind is dwelling on all the times I've said goodbye"...clearly express the pain that Dustin is dealing with. That said, the silver lining in this cloud is the closing line..."Keep the fire burning, till I find my way back home". Optimism is indeed a beautiful thing. Musically, with Dustin's stinging harmonica leads; Brandon's killer blues guitar leads; and the moody rhythm Caleb and Colby are laying down; all the boxes of a killer slow blues track are well checked.

"You're Gonna Hear Me on the Radio" (Ryan Taylor) is a light and cheerful song about a musician who feels his mark on life will be made when his brand-new record plays on the radio. This one features excellent acoustic guitar work from Brandon and more great harmonica blowin' from the boss.

The album closes out with an absolutely amazing rendition of "Didn't I" (Gillian Welch & David Rawlings). With a bit of a Gospel vibe, this six-and-a-half-minute rendition - highlighted by a masterful slide guitar performance by Brandon - features everyone on top of their game.

Other tracks on this damn good release by Dustin Arbuckle And The Damnations include: "Desperate Love"; "Out Of Time"; "Tombstone Blues" (Bob Dylan); and a gritty instrumental titled "Jumbo Frets"

To find out more about Dustin Arbuckle & The Damnations just go to band's website - www.dustinarbuckledamnations.com. Wherever you go and whomever you talk with, please tell them their friend the Blewzzman sent you.