The Devil Makes Three

The Devil Makes Three are an American string band formed in Santa Cruz, California, in 2002, blending old-time bluegrass picking with punk energy and outlaw-country storytelling. The core trio built its reputation on relentless touring and a raw, acoustic sound built around guitar, upright bass and banjo, drawing comparisons to early Tom Waits and traditional Appalachian string music filtered through a DIY, gutter-folk attitude.

Songs like «Old Number Seven» and «The Bullet» showcase their knack for dark, whiskey-soaked narratives about outlaws, addiction and heartbreak, delivered with galloping rhythms that made them festival favorites among Americana and jamgrass audiences. Their live shows, often stripped of drums in favor of stomping feet and driving basslines, became a signature part of their identity.

Over two decades the band expanded their sound on later records, adding subtle electric and full-band arrangements while keeping their acoustic roots intact. They remain a touchstone act in the alt-folk and bluegrass-revival scene, influencing a generation of string bands who mix traditional instrumentation with rock-and-roll attitude.