San Francisco indie-pop band A B & The Sea have returned with a well-timed new single, “In The Sunshine,” that could be their big break.

While the foursome-by-way-of-Wisconsin has previously worn their ’60s pop influences with pride — maracas, Farfisa organ, saxophone, and doo-wop harmonies all made appearances on A B & The Sea’s Run Run Run EP, released in January — “In The Sunshine” marks a progression from past-referencing pastiche to a bigger, brighter, more modern sound.

Produced by Wallpaper (Eric Frederic), “In The Sunshine” begins like it’s blasting out of a transistor radio on the beach (cue seagulls and waves). The song’s summery vibes radiate only stronger from there, proving instantly irresisistible, especially that giant smiley-face of a sunsplashed chorus. If Vampire Weekend went power-pop, I bet it would sound a lot like “In The Sunshine.”

Every few years, if we’re lucky, a deliriously catchy summer-themed tune comes around, like Sheryl Crow’s “Soak Up The Sun” or Katy Perry’s “California Gurls” (which A B & The Sea have even covered). Summer 2011 could very well be A B & The Sea’s turn to soundtrack the masses, with “In The Sunshine” blasting out of cars and playing in earbuds at full-volume as folks seek out a slice of summer fun.

Purchase A B & The Sea – “In The Sunshine” via iTunes.