I see many groups who show their intensity by concentrating solely on their music. But sometimes, you need a little more on-stage enthusiasm. 

Last Thursday, the Hi-Tone saw such an enthusiastic local band: Devil Train.They don’t seem afraid to be on a stage, performing every song with a smile. When they go on, six people with a noticeable passion for stringed instruments pile up on stage, plug in their cords, and simply start playing. These guys have been playing together for quite a while, and it shows. 

James Ray, who plays guitar, founded the group in 2005. Since then, he’s drawn in fiddler Clint Wagner, banjo player Randle Marton, mandolin player Jonathan Ciaramitaro, and a bass player (usually JD Westmoreland, but substituted on the night I saw them by Daniel McKee). In addition to old-timey country, they cover bluegrass and Gypsy jazz—a style I’d never heard before, but which sounds great.

The band began their set with a lot of energy, and they never slowed down, even for a second. I found myself lost in each song and was amazed at how fast the band can strum and pick.Toward the last piece, it was as if they were in a competition. When the music finally stopped, the dancers yelled and screamed for an encore, and Devil Train obliged with an Irish medley. One can’t help but dance to their fast, country and celtic-inflected riffs.