After a fairly confused adolescence with Scarlett and Other Stories, ALL ABOUT EVE have managed to produce an album that touches the premises of their earlier Eden label records. Whereas Scarlett... wandered, looking for a direction, Touched by Jesus is a lot stronger and more mature.
With two singles, "Farewell Mr Sorrow" and "Strange Way," already on the streets, they give an excellent taster for the talents of new guitarist songwriter and ex-THE CHURCH man Marty Wilson-Piper. Its Wilson-Piper's guitar work that lifts a lot of this album, written in the traditional Eve's style, with Julianne Regan's vocals as angelic as ever.
Lyrically, there aren't any great departures from past outings, as cuts like "Wishing the Hours Away" and "Rhythm of Life" demonstrate, but then title track, "Touched by Jesus," just has to be their finest hour so far. Seven minutes of almost RUSH-tinged guitar together with Regan's delivery that at times borders on Deborah Harry.
By comparison, side two is less than fulfilling, apart from the mood swings of "Hide Child," another lengthy song that smacks strongly of DAVID SYLVIAN -- no bad thing, really. "Are You Lonely is the Eves back into filler mode again. Balladry has to be bang on the first time and needs to be coloured. "Are You Lonely" is spoiled by the predictability of its structure, you know where the drum feels come in, you can tell just how the choruses will break.
Nevertheless, an excellent LP, stronger than past efforts by far. If you're impressed by the single cuts already released then "Touched by Jesus" is essential. If not, avoid and have your ears syringed instead!
Alan McCrorie
Riff Raff
September 1991
Nevertheless, an excellent LP, stronger than past efforts by far. If you're impressed by the single cuts already released then "Touched by Jesus" is essential. If not, avoid and have your ears syringed instead!
Alan McCrorie
Riff Raff
September 1991
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