7/10

Following on from their collaboration album with Cloud Nothings earlier this year, US surf punks Wavves have returned to deliver their fifth studio album, suitably titled 'V', and will probably be little surprise for those in the know. In the lead up to its release, the band had unveiled five of the album's eleven tracks in advance, but while the surprise may not be there, that hasn't stopped the record from being thoroughly enjoyable.

Much like their previous works, 'V' aims to capture that California pop-punk sound and wrap it in a mound of fuzzy guitars and whaling vocals. The result is an upbeat yet solemn release that manages to create a soundtrack to modestly having a good time. It sounds like the musical equivalent to a guy looking cool in the corner of a house party. You wish he'd show a little more enthusiasm but secretly wish you could be more like him.

It brilliantly captures that laid-back, sun-drenched Californian attitude and stretches out through a half-hour collection of tracks. By the end, you'll be wishing for sandy beaches and waves crests for the rest of your days.