Cocteau Twins

Cocteau Twins were an influential and prolific British band formed in 1980, their music becoming nearly synonymous with their record label 4AD. Their trademark sound of layered, ethereal guitar and indecipherable vocals inspired the 1990s shoegazing genre, which included numerous bands such as Lush, Slowdive, Pale Saints, and My Bloody Valentine.

Early Years

The band was formed in 1980 by Robin Guthrie (guitar) and Will Heggie (bass), both from Grangemouth, Scotland. At a local hotel disco club, Nash, they met Elizabeth Fraser, who eventually provided vocals.

Related Topics:
1980 - Robin Guthrie - Guitar - Will Heggie - Bass - Grangemouth - Scotland - Elizabeth Fraser - Vocals

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The band's influences at the time included The Birthday Party, Sex Pistols and Siouxsie & the Banshees. The name Cocteau Twins itself comes from an early (unreleased) song by Simple Minds, though it is equally often stated that they are named after Jean Cocteau, the French artist, writer and filmmaker. Their debut recording, Garlands, was released by 4AD in 1982, and was an instant success, as was the subsequent Lullabies EP. (In 2005, Deftones released a version of "Wax and Wane" from Garlands; one of the few groups to attempt a cover of a Cocteau Twins song.)

Related Topics:
The Birthday Party - Sex Pistols - Siouxsie & the Banshees - Simple Minds - Jean Cocteau - Garlands - 4AD - 1982 - Deftones - Cover

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Though the entire band was praised, Fraser recieved much attention. Even on their early recordings, her singing was startlingly unique, with little precedent. At times barely decipherable, Frazer seemed to veer into glossolia and mouth music. Neg Raggett writes that "part of her appeal is how she can make hard-to-interpret lyrics so emotionally gripping."http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=33:wqja7z6jg7or

Related Topics:
Glossolia - Mouth music

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