There was a time when making music didn't mean that you had to fit a category that was delineated by the sections on a record shop shelves.
It was made freer by the proliferation of a new breed of record companies that are now referred to (laughably)as "independent".
When the business of making money was being taken care of by the majors, such as the emerging Virgin and the established EMI, the refuge of "Real music" was being provided by these handful of entrepeneurs with proper respect for beautiful artforms, such as Creation, Factory, and 4AD.
And some of the bands that lived through these portals actually struggled their way into some modicum of commercial success, such as the Pixies, Jesus and Mary Chain, and Happy Mondays.

One of the most original, influential and goddamn beautiful bands to grace the shelves of the aforementioned record shops was the Cocteau Twins. Neither siblings, nor noticeably philosophical, this outfit quickly outgrew its rather dodgy Goth beginnings to transcend genre in a heart-stoppingly original and idiosyncratic way.

'Treasure' was one of those records that bridged the gap between what they were, and what they were to become. Leanings towards the impenetrable 'Cathedral of Noise' that had always been their trademark still existed, but suddenly amongst all these blank walls were glimmers of melodies swathed in the most gorgeous vocal arrangements and performances that have ever been committed to vinyl.

Liz Fraser (vocalist) had begun to give form to her incomprehensible warblings to complement the huge soundscapes afforded the arrangements by her then husband, Robin Guthrie. Suddenly the potential was being realised, and genius was born.

Standout tracks on this album are 'Ivo', 'Domino' and 'Otterley'. If you are prepared to deal with the slightly dated feel of a truly unique record, then do not hesitate to buy this one. If you want sublime, and embarrasingly perfect, RUN to the shops and get 'Bluebell Knoll' Your life is incomplete without the Cocteau Twins.