Cocteau Twins - Various (Reissues) (4AD)
4/5
By: Thomas Hannan
Just over 20 years ago, the then trio of Elizabeth Fraser, Robin Guthrie and Will Heggie arrived on an indie scene wondering what to do with itself now punk was burning out, and changed things. Their sound was experimental, moving, confrontational and densely emotional. In Fraser, they also had one of the most astounding vocalists of the past couple of decades. Now, seven years since their final release, 4AD are re-releasing the threesome's first four albums, painstakingly re-mastered by Guthrie himself. And knock us down with one big atmospheric feather - this is some pretty stunning stuff.
The story begins with 'Garlands' (***), a debut album that simply demands complete attention. It contained hints of 'Closer'-era Joy Division in the likes of 'The Hollow Men', but something more sweepingly moody, the relentless beating of a trusty Roland 808 drum-machine underpinning the group's sound. Far from being impersonal, if anything, it simply added to the darkness of the sound, making it progressively effecting with every beat. John Peel was one of those taking note, his often repeating the Twins' session helping to catapult them further into their deserved spotlight. And who can blame him? After all, even though 'Garlands' seems somewhat half-formed in comparison to later efforts, there was ample evidence in its gorgeously bleak confines pointing to eventual triumphs. The excellent likes of a harrowing 'Wax & Wane' and 'Blind Dumb Deaf' showed just how special this could one day get.
If 'Garlands' was a prototype, 1983's 'Head over Heels' (****) was a realisation of almost everything it pointed at. Founding member and bassist Heggie had left, but it's nearly as if this somewhat freed the remaining pair from the overwhelming gloom of their debut, the follow-up containing some stabs at wistful pop music, the dreamlike 'Sugar Hiccup' being one example. However, not everything had changed. This was still unmistakably the Cocteau Twins at work, and although Fraser's beautiful voice was now more prominent in the mix, you'd still have to bear the sharpest of ears to make out exactly what it was she was singing; at times almost siren-like, her often incomprehensible tones were nevertheless a sound to behold. Guitarist Guthrie also seemed to find a new vigour, the closing 'Musette & Drums' seeing his uniquely intense six string masterwork take centre-stage.
If there is one record in this reissued quartet that captures the Cocteau Twins at their best, 1984's astounding 'Treasure' (****) is arguably it. Any album that dares to start off with a couplet of tracks as good as the instantly captivating 'Ivo' and otherworldly shimmer of 'Lorelei' sets itself the highest of standards, but 'Treasure' matches their quality song after song. More than ever before, the album is the sound of a group comfortable enough in their own individual talent to screw with their own rules. The variety present on 'Treasure' is what helps it soar. The emotion is now often conveyed with more conviction, the melody now even more sumptuous, and gloom now not the overriding feeling the listener goes away with. 'Aloysius' could even be described as cheerful. Well, in a way.
From there on in, the innovation seems unstoppable. If it wasn't so haunting and, in places, downright weird, 1986's 'Victorialand' (***), the final instalment of this reissues series, could be taken as a precursor of the modern 'chill out' album. Just look at the titles - 'Lazy Calm', 'Fluffy Tufts', 'Little Spacey'... no, 'Victorialand' hardly fills your head with rock. But where the likes of Air and Massive Attack would be without it today is anyone's guess. They'd undoubtedly sound much different. Although it never really reaches the highs of its predecessor, 'Victorialand' is still probably one of the most influential albums of the genre, the duo's fondness for pushing boundaries taking them places it would take other groups years to discover existed, whilst still maintaining a sweet, thoroughly listenable and distinctive style throughout it all.
This is only the beginning of the tale. The Cocteau Twins carried on making unique records for another ten years. Yet what we have here is a reminder of the beginning of the story for those who know how it ends, and a perfect indulgence in its beginnings for those who weren't introduced to it the first time. It's some reminder that's for sure, but what an introduction.
Artists in this article: Cocteau Twins
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