We are, always have been, and probably always will be quite fond of Middle Kids. The Australian guitar-pop trio, equipped with the songwriting brilliance of Hannah Joy, continues to sparkle and amaze, and are now set on making our springtime sound all sorts of lovelier with the release of a new EP called New Songs For Old Problems. The six-song effort is due May 24 through Domino, just a few days before Middle Kids play two nights at the Paradise Rock Club in Boston with Local Natives, and the first offering is a wavy new anthem called “Real Thing.” Joy says the song addresses our “lifelong quest for meaning”, adding: “It’s the quiet, persistent voice in the stillness that constantly checks to see if you truly think you’ve found the thing you’re looking for.” That thing for us is this remarkable band.