Review Summary: A Dream Lost in Distortion
Cocteau Twins' 1986 EP, "Love's Easy Tears," arrives wrapped in gauzy nostalgia, lauded as a bridge between their earlier, more accessible sound and their later, inscrutable shoegaze explorations. But nostalgia is a poor substitute for critical examination. Let's pierce the haze and see what truly lies beneath.
Melody Missing In Action: Gone are the delicate, folk-infused melodies of "Treasure." "Love's Easy Tears" throws melody out the window, opting for an unrelenting wall of distorted guitars that drowns out any semblance of a tune. Fraser's once-ethereal vocals become indistinguishable, swallowed whole by sonic sludge. This isn't sonic exploration, it's sonic obfuscation.
Loud Doesn't Equal Profound: Proponents hail the EP's "intensity" and "emotional depth." Intensity, yes. Depth? Questionable. The sheer volume creates a superficial sense of power, but lacks the nuance and emotional resonance found in their earlier work. It's akin to mistaking yelling for passion – loud doesn't equate to profound.
A Bridge to Nowhere: This EP is often held up as a pivotal moment in the band's evolution. But evolution implies progress, and "Love's Easy Tears" feels more like a regression. It abandons their strengths, sacrificing melody and clarity for a muddled sonic assault. This isn't a bridge; it's a dead end.
Cocteau Twins are usually purveyors of ethereal beauty. "Love's Easy Tears" throws that beauty into a distortion pedal and leaves the listener with a headache and a sense of confusion. This may be lauded as a classic by some, but for those seeking genuine emotional connection, it's ultimately a frustrating and unsatisfying listen.
