Make no mistake—Cardinal Sons’ five-track EP isn’t a modest, indie release for a local audience. It’s a sparkling, well-produced modern pop record in search of national attention. More power to it.

Their surprise collaborator here is Charlie Sexton, who produces, plays (guitar, bass or keys) on every track and probably helped with arrangements. Though best known as a roots artist and Dylan guitarist, Sexton had a pop hit (“Beat’s So Lonely”) in the MTV days, and knows how the game is played. With his help, the Sons rise above the tentative sound of their previous EP and digital releases: The soundscapes are rich and varied, with fresh keyboard and guitar sounds on each track—check especially the Fripp-like guitar swoops on ”Arrival.”

Sexton also pulls strong, distinctive vocals out of the three Shirley brothers who comprise the band, downplaying harmonies in favor of emotive solo turns. Most of the obvious influences are British or at least Brit-inspired, from the Beatles to Coldplay and Spoon, but I’d throw a local one in there, too: Better than Ezra, specifically the textured sound of their best album, How Does Your Garden Grow?

None of this would matter if Cardinal Sons hadn’t brought good material to the table; there isn’t a track among these five without a solid chorus hook or a thoughtful sentiment. They’re especially good with lyrics that grab you in the first verse: “Casanova” proves you can still make a pledge of love that sounds original (“I’m not a part of any scene, but I would rip my jeans for you”) as it leads to a burst of guitar bravado in the chorus. It’s an accomplished effort from a band still in its early 20s.