Garlands (album)

Garlands is the debut album by the Scottish alternative rock band Cocteau Twins. It was released in September 1982 on the 4AD label.

The album is characterized by its atmospheric, gothic-tinged sound, featuring Elizabeth Fraser's distinctive vocals, Robin Guthrie's heavily treated guitar textures, and Will Heggie's prominent basslines. Garlands established many of the stylistic elements that would become hallmarks of the band's sound, although later albums would evolve in more dream pop and ethereal directions.

While Garlands received generally positive reviews upon its release, some critics noted its somewhat limited sonic palette and the derivative nature of some of its goth-rock influences. Nevertheless, it is considered a significant album in the development of alternative rock and a cornerstone of the 4AD label's early output. Key tracks include the title track, "Wax and Wane", and "Shallow Then Halo". The album spawned no charting singles.