New Jersey rockers The Gaslight Anthem hang on to that recognisable oldschool guitar sound on album number three, but significantly develop their songwriting skills. American Slang is catchy, uplifting and makes for a rollicking good time.

Within the first few minutes of American Slang, you wouldn't think The Gaslight Anthem had progressed at all since their 2008 breakthrough album, The 59 Sound. And while they still sound like this, they're unlikely to shake off comparisons, favourable though they may be, with Bruce "The Boss" Springsteen. But if there's one thing to be said for The Gaslight Anthem, it's what they do, they do well. From the opening dampened strum of the title track, their big electric guitars, sturdy drums and rough vocals make you want to sing, dance, jump, clap and air-guitar along to solos that can compete with the best of them.

But as the album progresses, it becomes apparent that the songwriting here is of a higher calibre than their previous material, more developed in structure and detail. The cowboy drawl of 'The Queen of Lower Chelsea' sees a slight change of direction and style, while the chorus of 'Old Haunts' blasts in after a sparse, rhythmic verse, never afraid to get too loud.

And the charms of American Slang continue to ingratiate themselves with repeated listens, when tiny flourishes of percussion, bouts of reverb and crackling harmonies reveal depth and precision. An album that's almost unyieldingly upbeat, its occasional slow retreats are all the more special for it. Frontman Brian Fallon sounds like a man twice his age on soft, sombre closer 'We Did It When We Were Young' as his hoarse croak contrasts with a lower voice, soon to be joined by more echoing voices and amassing guitars, drawing American Slang to its solid conclusion.

Before now, The Gaslight Anthem always hinted at their potential to be a really great rock and roll band. On American Slang, if they haven't quite mastered it, they're well on their way.