IT’S OFFICIAL: Polka dot dresses and cherry-topped milkshakes have been terminally trashed, and the band that many loved-to-hate has undergone something of a transformation. Beware – you could find yourselves liking what you see.

Free from the kiddy-pop confines of their Syco deal with Simon Cowell, Same Difference aka Sean and Sarah Smith, are back with a striking image makeover, new label and management and a rather wonderful new album entitled, ‘The Rest Is History’ – released 7th February.

‘The Rest Is History’ moves things up a notch from their debut, the aptly-titled ‘Pop!’, which sold over 180,000 copies in the UK. It is the sound of two twenty-somethings letting their hair down and having some fun, making energetic and current pop music that they’d love to listen to themselves.

First single ‘Shine On Forever (Photo Frame)’, co-written by Sean & Sarah, comfortably bridges the gap from their first album to sophomore release, with an almighty power-pop chorus and a video filmed at the renowned Lightbox room at London’s famous gay club, Fire. Upon release it broke new ground for the group, becoming a Top 10 UK Club Chart hit and serving as a full throttle slushee in the face of the haters.

If power pop is your thing, it’s in plentiful supply here. Hit-makers Topham/Twigg (Backstreet Boys, Steps, Westlife) have contributed fan favourite and opening track ‘Souled Out’, and two tracks in collaboration with Bodyrox’s Nathan Thomas, ‘Best Mistake’ and ‘Euphoria’ – a track that sees Same Difference heading to the clubs, showcasing a totally different side to the group. The amazing Aerostrom team have contributed another dancefloor filler 'Waiting For The Moment'

Same Difference have also worked with the cream of Scandinavia – the home of pop music. Anders Hansson/Sharon Vaughn (the writers responsible for Agnes’ worldwide smash ‘Release Me’) have contributed the Popjustice.com Song Of The Day ‘Karma Karma’, a totally bonkers pop tune that sees the group team up with Swedish pop legends Alcazar for an unforgettable duet. Tony Nilsson (Joe McElderry, Shayne Ward) has contributed ‘Emotion’ and, with Hanne Sørvaag, the massive singalong anthem and title track ‘The Rest Is History’.

Sarah and Sean have also flexed their considerable talent as songwriters here, collaborating with Georgie Dennis (S Club, Vanessa Hudgens, Kate Ryan) on ‘Superstar’ and ‘This Is Me’ with Ian Curnow and on tour favourite ‘Heartbeat’ with Pete Hammond(Kylie’s PWL Mix Master). The closing track ‘Broken Memories’ showcases the group’s more emotional side and deals with the brother/sister dynamic for the first time in their music.

The album ‘The Rest Is History’ is released on PopLife Records on 7th February. For more band information visit www.samedifferenceworld.com