The Veronicas: The Secret Life of...

Herald rating: * * * *

Not to be confused with the bespectacled British comedians, these two Ronnies are the twin Aussies carving a kitten-heeled spot in the Avril Lavigne, Kelly Clarkson market. That they've worked with the hit-makers for Britney, Avril, Kelly, Madonna and Dido comes as no surprise. The album's best song is 4Ever, the unapologetically girly anthem with its soaring "Yeah yeah" chorus and vaguely punk harmonies. But there are at least three other edgy singles that should ensure they outlast the next hot thing in a skirt. Or at least find their way on to the soundtrack of The O.C.

Okay, this is the kind of stuff that gets you thrown out of the cool club, but the Veronicas don't have the try-hard attitude that made Avril a laughing stock in a skinny tie, or the bitchy front of tATu. The album cover's lipstick stains and chequered background says it all, as do their not particularly original takes on young love, nookie and getting undressed in front of someone they thought was gay but is actually a bit of a perv. Truly.

Who knows - we might have forgotten about them in a year. But if it's sassy, bubblegum pop you're after, this is as guilt-free as Madonna's ventures into disco. Who cares what your boyfriend thinks anyway?

Label: Warner