On “Pop Sucker,” the latest EP from John June Year, the Clinton, Iowa indie rockers take a step in a noticeably poppier direction.

While 2013’s “Lounge Lizard/Dangerous Range” showcased a kind of gritty rock ‘n’ roll that evoked thoughts of driving an old convertible through the dusty New Mexico desert, “Pop Sucker” follows the car to the sunny California coastline.

The band’s garage rock leanings are still apparent, but this time around, they are infused with a touch of new wave and dance pop. “Pop Sucker” owes its sound as much to The Cars as it does to The Strokes.

Produced by Brandon Darner of The Envy Corps, who recently worked with Imagine Dragons, the three-song EP is 10 minutes of pop rock bliss. Memorable hooks are all over the tracks, from the in-your-face synth lines to the walking guitar riffs. Though lead singer Grey Heysinger’s vocal delivery is not over-the-top or flashy, it fits nicely in the mix and has a certain percussive quality that helps move things along.

The only problem with the EP is that it was released in the middle of an Iowa winter, albeit an unseasonably warm one. These songs would best be enjoyed on summer nights. Opener “Hollywood” has a straight-ahead driving rhythm that would be the perfect soundtrack to cruising around with friends. Closing track, “Wish to Sell” features synth and guitar parts that mimic Caribbean steel drums and begs to be danced to on a beach.  

Nevertheless, “Pop Sucker” will hold up well through the winter and find a place on your summer playlists for years to come.