Unique and energetic music that transcends time and genre boundaries with motivational sound
Anything but country” is my standard answer when I’m asked to define my music taste. This, however, is pretty misleading.
When I say that I don’t like country music, I mean that I don’t like homogeneous, boring modern country with stretched-out, exaggerated accents and a lack of content.
An album with tracks like “Look at My Tractor, It’s Green,” or “A Girl Wore Cowboy Boots and That Turned Me On,” or “Yeah, I’m a Gun-Totin’, Cow-Wrestling Country™ Boy” would not, therefore, be an album I would enjoy.
That doesn’t mean that all “country” music is inherently bad. Some of my favorite bands define themselves as American Folk. However, the most country-esque suggestion that I have genuinely enjoyed listening to is a band called The Devil Makes Three.
The Devil Makes Three is more than a little bit country. They combine elements of bluegrass, country, folk, blues, jazz and ragtime. This unique mix creates a traditional sound with a modern edge.
Guitars, an upright bass and a banjo seem to be the band’s main ingredients. Their music has a fun, old-timey feel, which is especially notable in their most recent album, titled “Chains Are Broken.”
The title track, “Chains Are Broken,” has one of the most sway-able beats I’ve ever heard. Its fast pace doesn’t let up in the next track, the catchy “Pray for Rain.” It is similar to the earlier released “Aces and Twos,” which is actually the first song I ever heard by The Devil Makes Three. For motivation or energy, I suggest either of these songs. Actually, just about any song by the band would probably do fine.
The band has an infectious, undeniable energy. According to fans, The Devil Makes Three is best experienced live. In fact, they say the spirit and passion brought to their stage performances are never quite translated to the studio.
Even though I have never seen them live, I have found a new favorite in The Devil Makes Three. Every single song makes my foot bounce and injects me with optimism. With these guys plugged into my ears, I walk a little faster (and probably drive a little faster, too).
Of course, like always, I have a few select favorites after listening to the album. For the track, “All is Quiet,” the overall tone recedes, becoming dark and mysterious. This song, more than any other, seems like it came straight from the soundtrack of an old western, played during an especially pivotal moment. The ominous line, “Deep in your heart there is a well,” repeats throughout the lyrics.
Another favorite of mine is the track “Paint My Face.” Like “All is Quiet,” it has a dark undertone, but it is more catchy and vibrant. To be entirely honest, I have latched onto “Paint My Face” as my current track-on-repeat.
This band is truly unique, to say the least. Their music transcends time and genre boundaries.
Even the background art accompanying the “Chains Are Broken” album is intriguing; an old-timey ship rocks back and forth on the waves with a lighthouse onboard. This band is one to explore for something entirely different.
