Beautifully soaring and epic; combined through a direct approach to simple songwriting; sisters Meg and Dia Frampton have certainly struck onto something worthwhile and special with their full length 'Something Real', it's 11 songs of blissful summer serenades which become totally infectious from the slightest exposure.

The work produced sounds both big and bold; yet also subdued, there is a perfect mixture of subtle reflective and upbeat singalong moments, serving best when both occur within the same song. Dia Frampton is responsible for the vocal delivery, and it remains faultless throughout, her voice perfectly complimenting the backing band, and also piano on certain tracks, all arranged by Meg Frampton. Though the duo are responsible for creating the sound themselves, it would be tough to execute without the backing band; they are completed by Kenji Chan (guitar) and Nicholas Price (drums).

There are elements present from many loved genres, the bulk of the sound is produced from America's currently rich crop of popular guitar bands, there is a combination of the big hook-laden sound of pop-punk and straight up rock music, there is a definite pop sensibility present throughout, and this could help the band appeal to the masses. The sound is majorly typical of many well-loved and popular bands, the main separating factor with Meg & Dia is how gorgeous the songs actually are. This collection of songs is afforded with a rich wealth of mature song writing and it all works to spectacular effect in pulling you in gently and getting you gradually hooked.

Lyrically, Meg & Dia offer a lot of straight up, honest situation, to which many listeners will relate. It's quite easy to get lost in this record, right from the off; opener 'Monster' chimes in with a well-timed contrast of upbeat, loud guitars, and subtle quiet parts it all equates upbeat songs with a strong possibility of producing singalong moments. The trend is soon adopted by 'Roses' and straight away the band are reeling you in. Track 3, 'Tell Mary' settles down a little, it offers more than the hook-laden pop singalongs, but stays true to the overall nature of what they are achieving, the choruses are still epic. 'Indiana' sweeps past much of the same and stand out track 'Masterpiece' is probably the strongest of the lot, but only due to it's superiority, rather than anything lacking on the other songs.

'Rebecca' adds some extra depth, as the piano led ballad brings about a new tone in Dia Frampton's gorgeous voice. Parts of 'Nineteen Songs' float a little closely to 'Roses' and overall it is probably the weakest offering. 'Cardigan Weather' is a detached ode to self doubt and paranoia, delivering on its promise somewhat as the record seems to have taken a sour turn at this point. Fortunately, another epic chorus in 'Getaways Turned Holidays' saves the day well, it kick starts the whole epic vibe which started this album. This could easily be an album closer, but it's cast aside as first 'Courage, Robert' introduces more sweeping choruses and the piano balladry of uplifting closer 'Setting Up Sunday' caps everything off to perfection.

Though not totally flawless, this release portrays all the right impressions in all the right places and leaves an overall good vibe in its wake, it's hard to turn off after one listen, it's the sort of album that becomes a soundtrack when it's left the right amount of time to work it's way into your head. Testament to this is found in the fact that the songs haven't left my head and the CD has practically lived in my car for the past week. If Meg & Dia can be heard by enough people they have the potential to be huge, it's easy to imagine the songs being played on radio stations the world over and not sounding out of place in the slightest. This band can certainly go a long way based on this album; without wanting to pronounce an over used cliché, it seems necessary to say watch this space.