There was an album with "ambient pianist" Harold Budd in 1987, half of which was a new twist for them, but by Blue Bell Knoll, the Cocteau Twins no longer sounded any more unique than the bands guitarist Robin Guthrie produced subsequently, e.g. Lush, the Veldt. They had that twinkling, melodic and dense sound with undoubtedly the worst drum machine since the Wurlitzer revolutionized a handful of lucky mid-American homes and shopping malls.
Four Calendar Cafe is their first album since they parted ways with 4AD. What's new with F.C.C? Not terribly much, but the sound is a little less dense and the music more low-key and reserved, which helps. Certainly better than average VH-1 fare. Perfect for sipping tea or falling asleep to, but nothing that would surprise the casually acquainted. Better than BBK or their last, Heaven Or Las Vegas, but they still basically make wooden chairs. With padded seat covers, but still made of wood. (Pat Johnson)