The Devil Makes Three

In the organizer's words:

The Devil Makes Three have always thrived in the spaces between genres, where the toughness of folk, the soul of blues and the rebellious spirit of punk collide. Their music doesn't just follow the American tradition of storytelling - it redefines it. Whether evoking the deep melancholy of Delta blues or the frenetic energy of punk, their sound is raw, powerful and unmistakably their own. For over two decades, the trio has carved out a permanent place for themselves in the American roots scene, delivering energetic performances that captivate audiences and leave them wanting more. They have released seven studio albums and three live recordings, with their latest effort, Spirits, representing a return to their original roots.

Formed in 2002 in Santa Cruz, California by Pete Bernhard and Cooper McBean, the trio, which now includes longtime collaborator MorganEve Swain (filling in for Lucia Turino on upright bass and vocals), has evolved musically while remaining rooted in its core sound. The Devil Makes Three have earned a loyal following by embracing the raw, unpolished side of acoustic music, and their latest album, Spirits, adds another layer to this ever-expanding sonic palette.

The new album, produced by Grammy-winning producer Ted Hutt (Old Crow Medicine Show, Dropkick Murphys, The Gaslight Anthem and Violent Femmes, among others), takes the listener on a journey through grief, addiction, separation and personal resilience. Songs like "Lights on Me" and "Spirits" deal with the emotional weight of loss and death, reflecting Bernhard's experiences with the loss of close family members and friends during the making of the album. Tracks like "Half as High" and "Divide and Conquer" deal with broader social issues, addressing the ever-widening economic divide and political fragmentation in today's volatile climate.

With MorganEve Swain (of longtime tourmates Brown Bird) filling in for Lucia Turino on upright bass and vocals, the band recorded Spirits at Dreamland, a converted church studio outside of Woodstock, New York, where haunting thunderstorms echoed the album's dark, introspective mood. The result is a powerful collection that blends the band's signature Americana sound with new depth, capturing the essence of resilience in the face of adversity.

"There's definitely a theme of ghosts and death that runs through this album," says Bernhard, who reflects on personal loss as well as the social and political struggles of our time. "We wanted this record to speak to the challenges people are facing today, whether it's loss, addiction or the division that's tearing people apart."

Yet despite these heavy themes, The Devil Makes Three retain their core identity as a rhythm-driven live band meant for dancing and partying. Their shows continue to bring together a diverse and dedicated fan base where exuberance and catharsis meet in equal measure.

The Devil Makes Three are gearing up for a national tour in February 2025 to support the release of Spirits and reunite with their fans to present an album that is both timely and timeless. Bernhard says: "We've always done what we wanted to do and this album is no different. It reflects where we are now - personally and as a company - and we're excited for our fans to hear it."