The Cocteau Twins are by no means unique in their use of noise and excessive echo effects. You won’t find many better examples, however.
Can I understand the lyrics?
No, not really.
Do I enjoy the song?
Yes. Undoubtedly.
The offkilter bass riff and shadowy guitars reverberate most handsomely, creating a rich patchwork of whirring drones and melodic swells. It’s music that deals in textures and feeling, rather than notes and chords.
The drum beat is similarly disjointed, filling a two step pattern with sporadic snare fills.
“The Hollow Men” appears on 1982’s Garlands.