Cocteau Twins

The Cocteau Twins formed in Grangemouth, Scotland in 1979, Elizabeth Fraser, Robin Guthrie, and Will Heggie developing a sound that was unlike anything else being made. Fraser's vocals — often wordless or in invented languages, always of extraordinary beauty — were the defining element. Guthrie's guitar work, processed through effects pedals into shimmering walls of sound, was the perfect complement.

Signed to 4AD Records, they released a series of albums through the 1980s that established them as one of the most important British bands of their era. 'Heaven or Las Vegas' (1990) was the commercial and artistic peak — Fraser's vocals were more accessible than ever, and the songs were more structured. 'Iceblink Luck' and 'Heaven or Las Vegas' were both excellent singles.

The Cocteau Twins split in 1997 after Fraser and Guthrie's relationship ended. Fraser has had a successful solo career and has collaborated with Massive Attack and other artists. Their influence on shoegaze, dream pop, and ambient music is incalculable — without the Cocteau Twins, there is no Lush, no Slowdive, and arguably no Portishead.