Cocteau Twins created some of the most original music of the '80s and early '90s. The band's sound metamorphosized from a gothic-style sound in the beginning to the sound of this record, which is really not categorizable. Yet all of their records share some traits. Their music is often referred to as "ethereal", owing largely to Ms. Fraser's vocal style, which is frail and operatic at the same time. The music is densely layered and textured - and even the ostensibly upbeat pieces have usually have a foreboding undercurrent created by these textures.

I consider this record to be the Twin's best effort, though Victorialand is a close second. With a variety of styles (contrasting one of their usual limitations - the songs on a given record often sound a lot alike on initial listen), and a slightly less aggressive approach musically, this recording rises above the average.

Cocteau Twins were perhaps my favorite '80s band. If you like truly original music and haven't heard them, listen to this!