The Cocteau Twins were a Scottish alternative music band active from 1979 to 1997, known for complex instrumentation and atmospheric, nonlyrical vocals.
Though formed in the post punk and new wave era, the Cocteau Twins tended to defy concise categorization, and their music was a key influence on dream pop. Although the entire band earned much critical praise, Elizabeth Fraser's distinctive vocals received the most attention. At times barely deci...
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The Cocteau Twins were a Scottish alternative music band active from 1979 to 1997, known for complex instrumentation and atmospheric, nonlyrical vocals.
Though formed in the post punk and new wave era, the Cocteau Twins tended to defy concise categorization, and their music was a key influence on dream pop. Although the entire band earned much critical praise, Elizabeth Fraser's distinctive vocals received the most attention. At times barely decipherable, Fraser seemed to veer into glossolalia and mouth music. Allmusic reviewer Ned Raggett writes that "part of her appeal is how she can make hard-to-interpret lyrics so emotionally gripping."
Robin Guthrie (guitar, drum machine) and Will Heggie (bass guitar), both from Grangemouth, Scotland, formed the band in 1979. At a local disco, Nash, they met Elizabeth Fraser, who would eventually provide vocals.
The band's influences at the time included Joy Division, The Birthday Party, Sex Pistols, Kate Bush, and Siouxsie & the Banshees. The...
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