Cocteau Twins – Treasure

Review

"Treasure", crafted by the enchanting trio of Elizabeth Fraser, Robin Guthrie, and Simon Raymonde, emerged on November 12, 1984, as a beacon in the ever-evolving world of the Cocteau Twins. A mesmerizing embrace of ethereal tones and dreamy reverberations, the album marked their sound's maturity. With the distinct shimmer of Fraser’s vocals, Guthrie’s guitar woven like silken threads, and Raymonde’s grounding bass, the album’s production takes an unexpected yet compelling turn. Turning to the electronic pulse of a drum machine with 'Rock' chip samples of John Bonham's drumming, it adds a shiny finish to the hazy dreamscape that twirls and sways with serene laments and uplifting crescendos.

While the melodic fortune within "Treasure" cast a spell on legions of fans, its creation was not all sunshine and roses in the eyes of the band members. Described metaphorically as “an abortion" by Guthrie, the album drips with both mystical grace and a hint of unfinished rebellion. Nonetheless, songs like "Lorelei" and "Donimo" swirl in the collective memory of listeners, cloaked in both reverie and intensity. Titles such as "Persephone" and "Amelia" unravel with a careful blend of whispery allure and moments where rock's raw edge peeks through. Through the metaphorical lens, this album stands as a chest of wondrous creativity, demonstrating why it's still cherished and celebrated even amid ambivalence from those who birthed it. - Sylvie