CocteauTwins

Cocteau Twins were an influential and prolific Scottish rock band. Robin Guthrie (guitar) and Will Heggie (bass), both from Grangemouth, Scotland, formed the band in 1980. At a local disco, Nash, they met Elizabeth Fraser, who eventually provided vocals. The band's influences at the time included Joy Division, The Birthday Party, Sex Pistols and Siouxsie & The Banshees. The name Cocteau Twins itself comes from an early (unreleased) song by fellow Scotsmen Simple Minds. Their debut recording, Garlands (released by 4AD Records in 1982), was an instant success, as was the subsequent Lullabies EP. Although the entire band was praised for their performances, Fraser received the most attention. Even on their early recordings, her singing was startlingly unique, and with little precedent. At times barely decipherable, Fraser seemed to veer into glossolalia and mouth music. Ned Raggett writes that "part of her appeal is how she can make hard-to-interpret lyrics so emotionally gripping." From Wikipedia



Treasure The opening two numbers are simply flawless, starting with "Ivo," where gently strummed guitar and low bass support Fraser's singing; then suddenly added, astonishing chimes and steady percussion build up to a jaw-dropping Guthrie guitar solo. Topping that would be hard for anyone, but in "Lorelei," the Twins do it, with an introductory, breathtaking guitar surge leading into one of Fraser's best vocals, compelling in both its heavenly and earthly tones and rolls. Not a word may be understandable, but it isn't necessary, while the music, driven on by a pounding rhythm, is as perfect a justification of digital delay pedals and the like as can be found. As Treasure continues, the accomplished variety is what stands out the most, whether it be the gentle, futuristic-medieval pluckings on "Beatrix," the understated moody washes and Fraser whispers on "Otterley," the upbeat guitar lines of "Aloysius," or the slightly jazzy touches on "Pandora." The concluding number ends the record on the peak with which it began. "Donimo" starts with a mysterious mix of mock choir sounds, ambient echoes and noises, and Fraser's careful singing before finally exploding into one last heavenly wash of powerful sound; Guthrie's guitar, Raymonde's steady bass, and drum machine smashes provide the perfect bed for Fraser's final, exultant vocals. Treasure lives up to its title and then some as a thorough and complete triumph. by Ned Raggett, All Music Guide