Cocteau Twins - Milk & Kisses

Milk & Kisses, released in March 1996, is the eighth and final studio album from Cocteau Twins. Following their long time with 4AD, this was the second album they released through Fontana/Capitol Records, after 1990’s Heaven or Las Vegas. Before the album came out, the band dropped two standout EPs — Twinlights, which was mostly acoustic, and Otherness, featuring remixes by Mark Clifford of Seefeel — showing their creative range during this period.

The album was recorded and produced between their September Sound studio in London and the coastal town of Pors Poulhan in Brittany, France, reflecting a period of renewed creativity after some turbulent times. Featuring singles like "Tishbite" and "Violaine," along with fan favorites such as "Serpentskirt" and "Treasure Hiding," Milk & Kisses offers a cathartic, soothing listening experience. MOJO praised the album for its "soothing, healing powers."

Ultimately, Milk & Kisses became the band’s farewell, closing out 14 years of remarkable music and leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire new generations. After years without a proper U.S. vinyl release, 4AD is set to reissue Milk & Kisses alongside Four Calendar Café in January 2024, with new 24-bit masters from Robin Guthrie based on the original mixes, available on both CD and black vinyl.