YELLOWCARD have gone all dreamy eyed and sensitive for their seventh album, Lift A Sail.

The Florida band were previously known for their anthemic pop punk sound and while there are still echoes of that on the new record, the quintet are now firmly wearing their hearts on their sleeves.

Frontman Ryan Key sings about what he holds dear and what he is afraid of losing and the music is a bit slower than previous albums to match the tone.

The album has a nautical theme too, perhaps to symbolise new horizons.

Maybe some of that vulnerability may also come from the loss of the band's long-term drummer Longineu Parsons to pursue other interests.

But fans can be reassured that, on the whole, Lift A Sail is a success.

Kicking off with the violin-only instrumental Convocation, which would fit neatly on any folk record, the album builds towards Yellowcard's single, Transmission Home.

Starting with a thumping drumbeat by guest drummer Nate Young, the song turns into something powerful and soaring. It is arguably one of their best tracks yet.

It follows into more familiar territory with Crash The Gates, a slice of big chorus pop punk.

But some of the slower songs like One Bedroom and Madrid miss the mark because the lyrics are just too sickly sweet.

DAVID MORGAN