Search - Cocteau Twins :: Lullabies

Jeramy F. (middle7) from PARADISE, CA
Reviewed on 6/4/2016...

I was a little hesitant because it does only have three songs on it but I am very happy with it. It is like the early stuff mixed with some of the later stuff, dark and "The Cure/Siouxsie and the Banshees" like but still remains upbeatish. She trill's (this thing with her voice), it's wonderful. Worth it.

Bare trees

loteq | Regensburg | 10/24/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a fan of CT's earliest material, this 3-track EP is not only my favorite from the pre-"Head over heels" era, but also, in my opinion, one of the band's most satisfying efforts. As with the preceding debut album "Garlands", people who only know the band's ethereal mid-'80s work will be surprised or even alienated by the musical content of "Lullabies". It leans more towards the electronic edge of CT's sound; its dark atmospherics, rumbling bass lines, spiralling guitar figures, and ever-present drum machines offer clear connections to the early-'80s goth-rock movement. However, those who find the songs of "Garlands" a little too static and similar in sound might find solace in this more varied and accomplished EP. "F-O-B" starts things off with surprisingly danceable material - this is perhaps the strongest song of CT's early era, and Liz's vocals are half-way intelligible. As the title indicates, "Alas dies laughing" is moodier and more aggressive in comparison, with shrill, sharp-edged guitar parts and ominously droning bass playing. The 8-minute "It's all.." is a stand-out track in many ways - it's not only the band's longest song ever, it's utterly unlike anything in the Twins's catalogue. "It's all.." begins with incidental music, obviously cut from guitar feedback, and adds some distant moaning and laughing to the mix. The song itself is pretty powerful and claustrophobic, featuring echoed drums and detuned guitars which become even more distorted towards the end of the song. "Lullabies" may not be their best and most original release, but the experimental, menacing undercurrents of this disc have their own compelling appeal. This is a very recommendable item for fans (others should check out the more comprehensive box set "BBC Sessions"), often overlooked and underrated, and it illustrates why the Twins soon would be considered as one of the most important independent bands of the '80s."

What obsession sounds like

Brad S. Williams | Portland, OR USA | 06/19/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's All But An Ark Lark builds the simple, swirling repetition of young Frasier's sighs, chantings, and cries into an emotional explosion like none other ... the EP is worth it for this epic song alone."