Aly & AJ - Insomniatic

Don't be fooled by the fact that it's in Sounds, this album belongs firmly in a pure pop section. Sisters Aly and AJ could pass as the Olsen twins, and at the tender ages of sixteen and eighteen they are multi-faceted businesswomen. The press release describes them as "active in issues such as passing laws to get predators off the streets" (lions and tigers and bears? oh my! Who'd have thought it in, er, Seattle), but they're also the accomplished spokeswomen for Samsung's most recent educational publicity stunt. Their debut album Insomniatic is a saccharine package all about their "female self-empowerment and vulnerability" - yes, that old chestnut - channelled through an infuriatingly catchy meanderthon of All Saints harmonies (Like Whoa) and Avril Lavigne melodic-thrashy guitar aggro (Flattery, Like It Or Leave It). Roll up for your own Aly and AJ dolls (online) and get a slice of female empowerment for yourself. [Rosie McLean]