Opening track 5 + 5 is as good a slice of Californian pop punk as you will ever hear. Pounding drums and sliding guitar herald a rousing tune that sets the blueprint for the rest of the album. Next track I Just Wanna Play Dead has a 50s vibe that makes it sound so familiar and recognizable that its very catchiness means you can’t help liking it.

Night Owl, a bit more sophisticated than the previous song, keeps the pop punk mood going. As does the wonderfully titled Hot Mom With The Skinny Pants On (surely an allusion to Kelly and the family she now has) is typical Dollyrots, lighthearted, fun and infectious.

Things slow slightly and become somewhat introspective with When We’re Sober which is not anti-drinking but more about finding and knowing your limits.

Hey Girl delivers another delicious pop punk romp which once again is so catchy it’s unbelievable, the opening bass line is just classic! The Vow is very sweet and celebrates the relationship between Kelly and Luis that has lasted so long.

Trees Sway is markedly different from the other tracks on the album, as it is an acoustic ballad. Slightly melancholic but highly memorable, the unexpected diverse instrumentation helps this song to stand out.

Tonight With You kicks in, and we’re immediately back in the Dollyrots pop punk universe. Can’t Tell You Why is driven by pounding drums and really gets your foot tapping.

Alligator is a good old rock out and my least favourite track – doesn’t mean it’s bad, I just prefer the other tracks!

The title Irish Goodbye could imply that the band are going to go all Dropkick Murphys on us, but although there is a hint of Celtic influence at the start of the song this is soon blown away by the bouncy, joyous pop song that this undoubtedly is. Changing tempos and a somewhat abrupt ending make this a song to remember.

The final song is a cover of Billy Braggs A New England which brings things nicely to a conclusion.

‘Night Owls’ is a tremendous album from the Dollyrots, the band are very, very good at what they do – creating sublime pop punk albums full of vibrant, infectious, fun tunes that lift your mood and stir your heart.

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