The Devil Makes Three

The Devil Makes Three is kind of a strange band, As a drummerless acoustic trio consisting of two guitarists and a string bassist, the group is deeply rooted in the blues and country music, while enthusiastically incorporating elements of bluegrass, ragtime, and jug band traditions, as well. But the group also makes no bones about its punk rock influences, and despite the lack of a drummer, it always plays with the needs of dancers in mind: "We play mainly rock venues where it's not seated," says bandleader Pete Bernhard. "It can get pretty crazy, people dancing and drinking and yelling. And that's the way we like it."

Although the Devil Makes Three consists entirely of New Englanders (two members are from Vermont and one is from New Hampshire), the group formed in Santa Cruz, California and self-released its eponymous debut in 2002. Its sophomore effort, Longjohns, Boots and a Belt, was released in 2004, followed by a live album titled A Little Bit Faster and a Little Bit Worse. The band then signed to Milan Records, which reissued their debut album; in 2009, Milan released the band's third studio album, Do Wrong Right. The live Stomp and Smash, recorded over a two-night stand at the Mystic Theater in Petaluma, California, appeared from Milan Records in 2011. ~ Rick Anderson, Rovi