Midweek Midmorning

This three-track EP shows why Australia's the Lucksmiths are one of the top indie pop groups around. The leadoff track, "Midweek Midmorning," is three minutes of sunny melody, jangling guitars, subtle drumming, and wry lyrics gorgeously sung by Tali White — pretty much the template of their lazy, lovely sound. The moment when the tempo doubles and the horns kick in is the kind of pop moment that will remind you why you fell in love with music in the first place — a classic track. The second song, "Point Being," is acoustic guitar-driven and melancholy and features some nice handclaps. Track three is a bit of an epic. "Requiem for the Punter's Club" lasts five minutes, but you'll wish it could go on for ten. It begins with just guitar and vocals, works in a harmonica solo, and builds to a finale featuring what sounds like the entire clientele of the Punter's Club singing the chorus in unison. The feeling of loss and regret tempered by camaraderie and a good joke at 3:45 a.m. is palpable. The Lucksmiths are making the best music of their career and this disc is an essential part of any indie pop collection.