REVIEW: The Devil Makes Three w/ The Deslondes | 10.23.15 at Cannery Ballroom

The Devil Makes Three
w/ The Deslondes
Cannery Ballroom; Nashville, TN
October 23, 2015

Review by Ione Singletary. 

There was a great show at Cannery Ballroom Friday night: The Deslondes opened for The Devil Makes Three. If these two bands are not on your radar, they should be. The night was filled with all things Americana and many happy people dancing. Click below to view the full review!

The Deslondes took the stage and delivered a perfect mix of heartbreak songs, honky-tonk songs, old-timey country songs, and rag-time songs; you were never sure what would be around the next corner, but you were never disappointed. These guys have a lot of talent, and with every one of them taking their turn at writing and singing, there is enough variety to keep the fans on their toes, most of the time two-stepping. When they played “The Real Deal,” it brought to mind an old honky-tonk back in Louisiana, where these boys call home, and, where, as a little girl, I would watch my dad two-step on an old sawdust floor. There were ballads reminiscent of the old time greats of country music complete with perfect harmonies, and fiddle songs that were nothing short of your basic creole music that made me miss my aunt and her Cajun cooking! If you haven’t listened to these boys, do yourself a favor and right that wrong as soon as possible, and make sure you don’t miss the chance to catch The Deslondes play live; you will not be disappointed.

People don’t walk around when The Devil Makes Three start playing, they dance around: to the bar, to the bathroom, just back and forth where they are standing, people just can’t stand still. By the time they started up, Cannery Ballroom was packed. When they played the old favorite “All Hail,” every one was bopping around and shouting out the “All Hails” on the chorus; there was even a good run at a balloon toss! One of the highlights for me was “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” sped up and played in a rag-time style, and of course when they played the crowd favorite “Gracefully Facedown” everyone was singing along! Friday night they were joined on stage by a guest drummer and fiddle player which really added to the energy in the room. One of their long time fans from their early days in Santa Cruz described them as “foot-stompin’, whiskey drinkin’ music,” and I couldn’t agree more. Pete Bernhard told the crowd “We learned everything we know by listening to punk music,” and with just the sheer energy that comes from this band, it is evident. At the end, the crowd was left clapping, stomping, and cheering for more until the house lights were up. They just couldn’t get enough. So be sure to add The Devil Makes Three to your list of “must see” bands because they know how to please a crowd!