DURING All Saints' stay at the top of the girl band tree, their roles were well-defined.

Shaznay Lewis was the musical talent, while Nicole and Natalie Appleton were the glamour, living the celebrity lifestyle on the London party circuit (and fourth Saint Mel Blatt had a full-time job stopping the two factions gouging each other's eyes out, as they allegedly couldn't stand each other).

Post-Saints, the Appleton sisters are best known as rock star wives and tabloid favourites, as partners of Liams Gallagher and Howlett. But, like Victoria Beckham, deep down they are still convinced the world is waiting for their solo career.

Everything's Eventual is a grown-up modern pop album, often echoing but never equalling All Saints' Pure Shores, and ditching the R'n'B moves of old.

But the songs aren't up to much, slipping in one ear and out the other, with single Don't Worry being the most memorable. Natalie and Nicole can sing, but their voices lack any personality or emotion, rendering debut single Fantasy about as raunchy as a cup of tea. Maybe it's time the Appletons put some of their personal lives into their music, rather than into the gossip columns, if they ever want to be remotely interesting as pop stars.

Also on the comeback trail are the original 1980s girl band, The Bangles, after their hit Eternal Flame enjoyed a new lease of life courtesy of Atomic Kitten. (The good news for any men of a certain age who used to have a thing for Susanna Hoffs is that The Bangles had such horrific hair in the 80s that they actually look better these days). While the Appletons have gone in the studio because they can't bear not to be famous, The Bangles at least sound as though they went in there because they genuinely missed playing in a band. Doll Revolution, like much of their career, wanders wilfully between the good, the dire and the downright odd, with a retro West Coast feel to the harmonies and jangling, spiky guitars.

Updated: 09:36 Thursday, March 06, 2003