While everyone loves Bruce Springsteen, it's refreshing to find a band from New Jersey that isn't trying to re-create the earnest rust-belt rock the Boss made a name for himself with.

Instead, with their sophomore outing, In Blue, the Static Jacks offer an album of sugary but strong guitar rock that conjures up the sweet power pop leanings of Fountains of Wayne and Weezer.

Alternating between a pop record that's not afraid to rock and a rock record that's not afraid to let loose with some melody, the album attempts to keep listeners on their toes, deftly skipping between the two modes without every settling on one as a favorite.

Although In Blue still shows hints of that working-class earnestness from time to time, it feels more akin to smart pop-punk bands like the Wonder Years than the gruff roots rock of the Gaslight Anthem.

At the end of the day, though, In Blue is a fun album that finds the Static Jacks really coming into their own.