Recommended Artist: The Devil Makes Three

If you didn't know better, you might swear The Devil Makes Three's new album, Do Wrong Right, was a re-release of some country folk band's late 1950's hit record, but the group has only been around for the last seven years or so. Their infectious, fresh take on what they call 'vintage American blues' makes this drummer-less trio out of Santa Clara, California (of all places) worth checking out, and their new album has been a great introduction for me. Guitarist/frontman Pete Bernhard, stand-up bassist Lucia Turino and guitarist Cooper McBean effectively channel their old-school bluegrass and folk influences into an impressive collection of twelve songs, with a sort of raw punk attitude giving the music a compelling edge.

If you haven't already, you should download the opening track, "All Hail," which I posted previously. The song should give you a good idea of the band's signature style, complete with rustic production qualities and Bernhard's cleverly sharp lyrics that are often sarcastic and always witty, but contain a remarkable amount of insight as well. Other highlights from the new record include the trouble making title track, the dark, sinister "Help Yourself," and the hillbilly rocker "Aces and Twos." Also, check out the trio's MySpace page to hear some tunes both new and old or head over to their site for more info.