The Devil Makes Three are one of the tighter Americana trios around. Playing acoustic guitar, banjo, and upright bass, they blend bluegrass, old-time country, rockabilly, and Piedmont blues and serve it up with punk attitude and flair. Wry and whip-smart lyrics, rich harmonies, and a steady rhythmic drive propel I'm a Stranger Here. Producer Buddy Miller deftly captures this unhinged energy on the stompers "Hallelu," "Dead Body Moving," and "Spinning Like a Top" while adding new dimensions to the group's sound with occasional use of fiddle and percussion. Elsewhere, special guests The Preservation Hall Jazz Band add clarinet and brass to the spectacular ragtime workout "40 Days." But the band shines at slower tempos as well, as evidenced on the twangy ballad "A Moment's Rest" and the closing waltz "Goodbye Old Friend." This is a crack band with a distinct style, and their fourth release captures their musical chops and songwriting finesse in equal measure.