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The Devil Makes Three has always thrived in the spaces between genres, where the grit of folk, the soul of blues, and the rebellious spirit of punk collide. Their music doesn’t just follow the American storytelling tradition—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, this genre-defying trio has carved out a place in the American roots scene, delivering high-energy performances that leave audiences captivated and wanting more. They've released seven studio albums and three live recordings, with their latest, Spirits, marking a return to their stripped-down roots.
Formed in 2002 in Santa Cruz, California by Pete Bernhard and Cooper McBean, the trio, now featuring longtime collaborator MorganEve Swain (taking over on upright bass and vocals for Lucia Turino), has continued to evolve musically while staying rooted in their core sound. The Devil Makes Three has built a devoted fanbase by embracing the raw, unpolished edge of acoustic music, and their latest album, Spirits, adds yet another layer to this ever-expanding sonic palette.
The new album, produced by Grammy-winner Ted Hutt (Old Crow Medicine Show, Dropkick Murphys, The Gaslight Anthem and Violent Femmes among others), takes listeners through a journey of grief, addiction, division, and personal resilience. Songs like “Lights on Me” and “Spirits” delve into the emotional weight of loss and death, reflecting Bernhard’s experience of losing close family members and friends during the album's creation. Meanwhile, tracks like “Half as High” and “Divide and Conquer” tackle broader social themes, speaking to the ever-widening economic divide and political fragmentation in today's volatile climate.
With frequent collaborator MorganEve Swain (from longtime tourmates Brown Bird) taking over on upright bass and vocals for Lucia Turino on upright bass and vocals—the band recorded Spirits at Dreamland, a converted church studio outside Woodstock, New York, where haunting thunderstorms mirrored the album's somber, introspective mood. The result is a powerful collection that marries 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 running 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 face today, whether it's loss, addiction, or the divisions tearing people apart.”
Yet, despite these heavy themes, The Devil Makes Three maintains their core identity as a rhythm-driven, live band meant for dancing and celebration. Their shows continue to bring together a diverse and dedicated fanbase, where revelry and catharsis meet in equal measure.
