What makes The Death of Cool by Kitchens of Distinction notable?

The album garnered significant attention for its innovative sound and lyrical depth, earning praise from critics such as NME and Melody Maker. Although it did not achieve mainstream commercial success, it solidified the band's influence within the alternative rock landscape and has been referenced by later artists for its artistic merit. Released in 1992, The Death of Cool is Kitchens of Distinction's third studio album, following the critically acclaimed Strange Free World. At this point in their career, the band was refining their sound, moving deeper into layered textures and emotional vulnerability while seeking broader recognition in the alternative scene.

How many songs are on The Death of Cool?

The Death of Cool has 10 tracks, running approximately 52 minutes.

The Death of Cool

Kitchens of Distinction · 1992

52 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

Ethereal guitars intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that captures the essence of early '90s alternative rock.

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Top tracks — play these first

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What Happens Now? — The opening track sets a reflective tone with its swirling melodies and contemplative lyrics, establishing the album's thematic exploration of uncertainty and change.
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Gone World Gone — This track encapsulates the band's signature blend of lush instrumentation and poignant storytelling, making it a standout moment of emotional resonance on the album.
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Mad as Snow — With its driving rhythm and intense vocals, this song showcases the band's ability to merge raw energy with introspective themes, representing a peak in their artistic expression.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album's layered textures and introspective lyrics create a distinct early '90s alternative rock sound.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of layered guitar textures, with ethereal effects that create a dreamy soundscape throughout.
The pacing varies, with several tracks maintaining a mid-tempo rhythm while others introduce slower, more contemplative moments.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 What Happens Now? 4:33
2 4 Men 4:11
3 On Tooting Broadway Station 5:04
4 Breathing Fear 3:43
5 Gone World Gone 8:01
6 When in Heaven 5:14
7 Mad as Snow 7:22
8 Smiling 3:22
9 Blue Pedal 7:35
10 Can’t Trust the Waves 3:24

What to play next

Listen next

Cowboys and Aliens

1994

Go back to

Strange Free World

1991

Full Kitchens of Distinction discography Artists like Kitchens of Distinction

alternative rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata