Country-tinged indie rock tends to draw from a whole range of Southern-fried influences, but rarely does it dig too deeply into the soulful history of the Dirty South. Hymns is an alt-country four-piece that has recently relocated to New York City from Texas, but elements of its sound can be tracked to a number of states between its two homes. Most notably, the track “I Can’t Be What U Want” off the band’s sophomore album, Travel in Herds, incorporates an infectious nod to Memphis, driven by a slew of energetic, Stax Records-style horn hits that find the act as close as it gets to making good on its name. But if the rest of what Hymns has to offer sounds less uniquely devotional, it’s still affecting: The straining vocals, reminiscent of young Mick Jagger, over a twirling, Flying Burrito Brothers-inspired twang, give the music a sense of desperation, whether it’s experimenting with soul-stomping brass or the simple alt-country you’d expect. Hymns performs with Timberwolf Division at 9 p.m. at the Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW. $8. (202) 667-7960.