Anyone who’s ever listened to the Cocteau Twins knows that their work is more than your run-of-the-mill music; it’s an immersive auditory journey, engulfing you in the haunting beauty of Elizabeth Fraser’s unintelligible lyricism. “Beatrix” is no exception. 

Featured on their 1984 full-length album Treasure under 4AD, the Scottish dream-pop group defined themselves amongst the alternative and gothic-rock scenes by incorporating an ethereal and gossamer-like sound into their artistry. While the band speaks of the album as rushed and “dated” in its production, it became one of their most notable albums and has gained a resurgence of love from Gen Z listeners.

The song begins with an eerie yet enchanting loop, echoing throughout the song as if it were cascading against the walls of a dark fortress. Fraser’s vocals operate as an instrument — siren-like in their wailing — often described as glossolalia, or speaking in tongues. Sometimes, you don’t need to know what someone is saying to invoke a feeling; the dynamics of one’s voice can speak for itself. The instrumentation bellows as it reaches the later half of the track, as rhythmic bass creates a dark texture amongst the soundscape, perfectly encapsulating a spooky resonance.

Words cannot truly describe the musical tapestry coveted within this track, as each and every person experiences their own kind of intimacy with it. As redundant as the phrase might be, it really is a matter of “if you know, you know” when it comes to their discography. If you haven’t already done so, I highly recommend investing in some high-quality audio and making the time to let this song — and the rest of the album for that matter — take over the body, embracing the sensory experience that is the Cocteau Twins.