Jackson Free Press

Jackson-based band That Scoundrel is a refreshing taste of good old-fashioned rock 'n' roll.

"Under everything, there is a groove," guitarist John Schenk says.

Its music is a mesh of 1970s psychedelic rock with the madness of 1990s grunge. That Scoundrel's magnetic nature draws the crowd in, and its steady groove keeps the performance consistent.

That Scoundrel—which consists of Schenk, singer and bassist Adam Barkley, and drummer Jennifer Chesler—had its name before the band even got together.

"Every time I've tried to choose a name for a band, it usually turns into a catfight," Barkley says. "You should try and have a band name before you try and start a band."

The band formed in 2011 after Barkley and Schenk met through Craigslist and, from word of mouth, then found Chesler.

The band's influences include Clutch, Kurt Vile, Misfits, The Meters, Neil Young, Queens of the Stone Age and Dinosaur Jr. That Scoundrel's first album, "Everyone Has Their Something, But Some People's Somethings Are Weirder Than Others," is a patchwork of those sounds.

"I try to get a really wide range of influences," Chesler says. "I like to listen to different kinds of music."

"Everyone Has Their Something...," which Steve Deaton produced, consists of catchy and groovy songs. "10 PM" and "Domino," for example, feature snappy rock hooks with a steady drum beat.

The band's upcoming second full-length album, tentatively titled "Gift Horse," is much more polished than its previous three releases.

"I think it is more focused and definitely has the benefit of us writing it together," Barkley says. He expects to release the album in the summer. "The first songs were already written, and we are writing all these together. I think you can tell the difference between the first CD, and this second album. John and Jenn are putting their stamp on it."

That Scoundrel plays shows in Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee and Mississippi, however, the band feels somewhat overlooked in the Jackson area.

"We get out of Jackson, and people are excited. When we get back to Jackson, we are playing just for our friends," Barkley says. "The original scene in Jackson is really strong; people just need to come see it more."

That Scoundrel is an act best heard live. The members' chemistry on stage and polished sound are welcome additions to Jackson's music community. The band is involved in concerts such as the Blender series and frequently plays shows at local bars such as Martin's Lounge or Hal & Mal's.

The band plans to finish recording "Gift Horse" in February and release it in summer 2014. The band also has a new T-shirt design that Schenk's dad created.

That Scoundrel performs with Death on Two Wheels at 10 p.m. Dec. 6 at Hal & Mal's (200 S. Commerce St., 601-948-0888). For music and merchandise, visit thatscoundrel.bandcamp.com, or find the band on Facebook.