Rounding into the decade mark, the Sour Notes are now veterans of the local indie scene, and fifth LP Darkest Sour highlights both the trio’s tightness and range. “Clock Strikes Twelve” chimes familiar at the outset, driving guitar into the poppier bounce of “Today, I’ll Buy No Sorrow.” The band grooves best on straight-ahead power-pop such as “Stay Close,” frontman Jared Boulanger’s vocals playing off Yola Blake’s as “Loose Leaf and Bleak” torques more psych and “Small Hints” floats in dreamy shoegaze. Nineties Britpop throbs throughout, especially on closers “Soft Applause” and “Ride It Out.” The Sour Notes become increasingly complex and honed on each successive outing, and Darkest Sour continues the trajectory forward.

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This article appears in December 1 • 2017.

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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.