To label (in any way) the self-titled debut from
All About Eve "goth" is a perfect example of how loosely the term was being thrown around in the mid- to late '80s in England. Sure,
the Eves had a bit of goth cred (touring with
the Mission, early singles that sounded a lot like
Siouxsie), but
All About Eve is more folksy than menacing, and follows the tradition of later-era
Fairport Convention more than
Bauhaus or
the Sisters of Mercy. The band had already developed its more folksy sound on its independently released singles, but with Paul Samwell-Smith producing,
All About Eve graduated from quasi-
Siouxsie clones into a full-blown example of late-'80s "goth pop." Steeped in folksy melodies and hippie-esque lyrics,
All About Eve can seem a bit dramatic and drippy, but it makes up for its faults with solid song arrangements and a glossy production that fits the band's melodic sensibilities and polished guitar work. While it may not be part of the pantheon of rock as a whole,
All About Eve stands out as a prime example of a time in English pop music when things weren't quite certain. ~ Chris True