The Contraptionists mysteriously devise a big and complicated sound.

The Contraptionists recently released a quartet of demos, with gritty songs like “Empire Of Smoke” boasting a thick folk-rock melody and a full-bodied rhythm section. Yet, the robust sound is created by a mere duo.

“People are always a little bit confused at first because they’re seeing two people but they’re hearing a lot of things,” lead vocalist Paul Givant says. “I watch people try to put it together – who’s doing what? Where are all the sounds coming from?”

Givant and Stephen Andrews have played music together for nearly a decade in the five-piece Americana and folk outfit Rose’s Pawn Shop. Five years ago, they were inspired to try a new side project. “The idea was, how can we make the biggest sound possible with just the two of us?” Givant says.

At an industrial warehouse in downtown Los Angeles, the pair pieced together “contraptions” to play a full drum set on pedals at their feet: a kick drum, snare drum, hi-hat, tambourine, floor tom, crash cymbal, ride cymbal and cowbell. This allows Givant to also sing lead vocals, play electric guitar and banjo while Andrews plays upright bass, harmonica and sings harmonies.

While Rose’s Pawn Shop kept them busy the last five years, they were able to pick up The Contraptionists project again in 2017. The duo is working to put out an album this summer.

Saturday’s show at Fernwood will be their first in Monterey County. Attendees may hear covers of tunes by Johnny Cash, Hank Williams and “a strange version” of “In The Air Tonight” by Phil Collins. Live performances tend to be upbeat and danceable, yet edgy. Expect original lyrics to provide a journey in addition to the music with a range including love songs, road legends and murder ballads.

THE CONTRAPTIONISTS 10pm Saturday, Feb. 17. Fernwood, 47200 Highway 1, Big Sur. No cover. 667-2422, thecontraptionists.com.