The Jungle Rockers

Cool It Out

The sophomore EP from Austin’s premier greasers kick-starts with a yelp and riffs that don’t ease up until the tank’s tapped out. Rumbling out of the garage like Link Wray with a ferocious backbeat, the six tracks mod out the local quartet’s familiar rockabilly jive with a pop touch. The opening title track injects a Bo Diddley beat with early Beatles fervor, every line laced with lust so that Jason Borkowski’s laughing “I’m gonna cook ya some eggs, baby” winks a leering slouch. “Devil in My Head” unloads a primal pulse behind equally sexual howls, and “Big Mouth” picks up speed with full-throttle licks. Instrumental “Guts” and the grooving “Love Trap” ride surf rhythms, but “Lies” surprises with a smooth lilt that leans as much toward chiming doo-wop as greaser punk. Driving and gritty, Cool It Out does anything but.

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This article appears in July 11 • 2008.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.