[Western Music] Cool Three-Piece Bands: Recommended Trios Roundup [2025]

Somebody’s Out ThereTriumph

Triumph – Somebody’s Out There

For some reason, Canada has many bands whose skill and popularity don’t correlate, and Triumph is one of them.

Formed in 1975, they’re a veteran band, and their central figure, Rik Emmett, is a highly skilled, craftsman-like guitarist who deserves far more recognition.

Suicide AlleyManic Street Preachers

Manic Street Preachers – Suicide Alley

Formed in 1986.

Affectionately known as the “Manics,” they enjoyed nationwide popularity in their native Wales, and after releasing a string of hit albums their popularity became firmly established across the UK.

They are now regarded as one of the country’s leading bands.

Summon The FireThe Comet Is Coming

The Comet Is Coming – Summon The Fire (Glastonbury 2019)

The Comet Is Coming is an innovative trio born from London’s underground scene in the UK.

The forward-thinking sound crafted by Shabaka Hutchings, Dan Leavers, and Max Hallett fuses jazz and electronica, weaving in funk and psychedelic elements to create a unique musical identity that captivates many listeners.

They debuted in 2015 with the EP “Prophecy,” and their first album the following year, “Channel the Spirits,” was nominated for the prestigious Mercury Prize.

Since then, they have continued to work prolifically, earning high praise for their experimental sound and energetic live performances, including an appearance on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert.

They are highly recommended for those drawn to cosmic imagery and future-oriented music, as well as anyone seeking a fresh, genre-defying sound.

Jerry Was A Race Car DriverPrimus

Primus – Jerry Was A Race Car Driver (MTV Version)

Primus is an alternative rock band formed in California in 1984.

The highlight of their music is, above all, Les Claypool’s advanced bass technique and their distinctive sound that blends elements of funk, metal, and prog into a wild mix.

You can fully experience their uniquely “freakish” sound on Jerry Was a Race Car Driver from their 1991 album Sailing the Seas of Cheese.

They enjoy a cult following in Japan as well, and even performed at the Fuji Rock Festival in 2004.

Sad Tomorrowthe muffs

The Muffs – Sad Tomorrow (Video)

Hailing from Los Angeles, California, The Muffs are a punk rock band formed in 1991.

Characterized by Kim Shattuck’s powerful vocals and melodic songwriting, they are known for a sound that incorporates elements of pop punk and alternative rock.

Their album “Blonder and Blonder,” released on April 7, 1995, is considered one of their signature works.

They gained broad support, including placement on the soundtrack of the film Clueless.

Although they were signed to Warner Bros.

for a time, they did not achieve major commercial success and later continued on independent labels.

They are regarded as an important presence in the punk rock scene, with Kim Shattuck’s musical influence still celebrated today.

Butter QueenThree Man Army

THREE MAN ARMY – Butter Queen (1971)

A hard rock trio formed in 1970 by the Garvey/Garvitz brothers on guitar and bass.

All three albums they released are masterpieces, featuring not only hard rock but also high-quality songs ranging from folk to melancholic ballads.

CHOKEThe Warning

The Warning – CHOKE (Official Music Video)

The Warning is a hard rock band formed by three sisters from Mexico.

Since their formation in 2013, their Metallica cover posted on YouTube created a huge buzz and quickly brought them into the spotlight.

Their music blends savvy riffs with stadium-ready choruses, skillfully incorporating elements of hard rock and heavy metal, and drawing influences from bands like Metallica, Queen, and Paramore.

Since releasing their debut album, XXI Century Blood, in 2017, they have been working tirelessly; in 2023, they even served as an opening act for Guns N’ Roses, steadily building their career.

Their powerful, energetic performances and the trio’s tight harmonies captivate rock fans and won’t let go.