90s Scottish shoegaze band, Cocteau Twins, have recently resurfaced, and now, newer fans find themselves indulged in the mystery behind Cocteau Twin lyrics and the band itself.
Cocteau Twins, originally from Scotland, formed in 1979 and in 1983 had their finalized trio with Robin Guthrie, Simon Raymonde, and Elizabeth Fraser. During the formation of the band, Liz Fraser was only 17 years old, and she had left home around age 14. Similarly Guthrie and Raymonde were both in their late teenage years when creating the band. The name behind the band was related to the song by Simple Minds (Johnny and the Self Abusers at the time) called “Cocteau Twins.”
By the 1980s, the genre of shoegaze was fairly new, and bands including My Bloody Valentine, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Dinosaur Jr, and of course Cocteau Twins were the earliest bands that shaped the years of shoegaze music to come. Cocteau Twins had a major influence in their music from artists like Kate Bush, Sex Pistols, and Siouxsie and the Banshees. Although Cocteau Twins had several influences on their music and work, to this day, Cocteau Twins have completely reshaped the idea of music and made a name for themselves for their unique and non-conformist sound.
The biggest reason for Cocteau Twins’ non-conformity is due to their lyrics. To this day, most of their discography is not able to be translated. Not because the band members have died or are not able to be contacted, but because of the main fact that for the most part, the lyrics are a bunch of gibberish, at least to the public. Although singer-songwriter Elizabeth Fraser has a few songs that have identifiable lyrics including Bluebeard, Wax and Wane, and Blue Bell Knoll, most of the songs she has written are often not able to be transcribed. This is mostly because it is almost a secret, as Elizabeth was already self conscious about her voice, and when it came to the lyrics she wrote, she found them almost embarrassing and difficult to share. So, using her thick Scottish accent, adding or removing syllables to words and phrases, and creating trilling or shake in her voice added a depth to the lyrics. Many would even argue Fraser’s voice was used like an instrument. But at the end of the day, they were still her lyrics, but she felt much more comfortable knowing they truly belonged to her and were difficult to transcribe or replicate.
Cocteau Twins found success within their label 4AD, and eventually, Cocteau Twins began working with a side project with bands like the Pixies and Dead Can Dance to produce This Mortal Coil. Before long though, struggles had begun to come to the surface between bandmates, especially due to the fact that Fraser and Guthrie’s romantic relationship was coming to an end. Although Cocteau Twins created eight totally distinctive and groundbreaking albums, during their ninth album (Milk & Kisses) they decided to officially break-up the band.
With Cocteau Twins’ unique and ethereal sound, it is hard to find a band anywhere similar to the sound of this legendary shoegaze band. Many fans still are hoping for a reunion, but it is very unlikely for that to happen. As for the world of shoegaze today, many newer artists take major influence from a revolutionary band like Cocteau Twins. So, whether you are listening purely for the vocals that will put you into a trance, or for the eccentric sound of guitar and distortions, Cocteau Twins is a great band to dive into the genre of shoegaze with.
I am currently attending the University of North Texas with a photojournalism major. I love going to concerts of all genres, whether I am stage diving or headbanging, I never miss an opportunity to appreciate live music. In my free time, I enjoy thrifting for CD's and records, spending time with my cats, going to art exhibits, and traveling (especially to NYC). My biggest inspiration is Danny Clinch, and one day I aspire to open up my own gallery to showcase my work!
