Timbuk 3, the Austin, Texas-based rock duo, has recently taken some quality steps in becoming one of the most socially-minded and musically-competent bands today.

Following an impressive 4th of July performance this past summer before throngs of people in Grant Park, Timbuk 3 released their third album “Edge of Allegiance” (IRS) in August.

In a move that surprised many, Timbuk 3 brought their guitars, harmonicas, bongos, tamborines, violin and _for the first time—a live percussionist to the very intimate atmosphere of Lounge Ax, 2438 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. It was in these close and smokey quarters that this syncopation-bred band, while creating their very personal danceable rhythms, may have given new insight into what living in America is all about.

Timbuk 3, consisting of Pat MacDonald (vocals, guitar) and Barbara MacDonald (vocals, guitar, harmonica, violin), played predominantly from their latest album. With the help of long-time friend and percussionist Wally Ingram, this ensemble funked and drawled their way through “National Holiday,” “Waves of Grain,” and “Dirty Dirty Rice,” the first three cuts off “Edge.”

“National Holiday,” referring to Memorial Day and/or Flag Day and/or the Fourth of July, dissects the act of patriotism and its many intricacies. “Fresh flowers on Grandpa’s grave…Junior smells of aftershave.” These lyrics offer a flash-bulb view of America in all its traditional glory.

The recent addition of drummer Ingram allowed Timbuk 3 to shed their one major flaw: pre-recorded percussion. Though all drum-programming was done by Barbara MacDonald without an actual drum machine (they carried a Boom-box to all performances), the live presence of a rhythm section made this band complete.