This Mortal Coil 'It'll End In Tears'

Released in 1984, 'It'll End In Tears' marked the debut of This Mortal Coil, a dreamlike collective assembled by 4AD founder Ivo Watts-Russell and engineer John Fryer. More than just an album, it was a sonic statement of intent—blending ambient soundscapes, melancholic originals, and reverent covers into a unified vision of ethereal beauty. Reinterpretations of Tim Buckley, Roy Harper, Alex Chilton, and Rema Rema sit seamlessly alongside original compositions, all steeped in emotional resonance.

The album’s strength lies in its collaborative spirit, featuring standout performances from 4AD’s inner circle—Dead Can Dance, Modern English, Howard Devoto, Colourbox, and the Cocteau Twins. Elizabeth Fraser’s haunting takes on “Song to the Siren” and “Another Day” are unforgettable, anchoring the record in a sense of fragile transcendence. 'It’ll End in Tears' not only encapsulated the 4AD aesthetic of the time but also set a high watermark for gothic ambient pop—introspective, cinematic, and timeless.