“When in Heaven” by Kitchens of Distinction

​I’ve always been a fan of the “power” trio. Like many of you, I too adore The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Cream, Rush, and The Police. But where trios are common in Jazz, they aren’t in Rock, especially when groups must reproduce their recordings live. Guitar solos feel naked and minor mistakes that are normally hidden behind an extra strumming hand, now hamper otherwise wonderful performances.

One of the great “power” trios that never received as much attention as they should have is the Kitchens of Distinction. Formed in London in 1986 they would find early success in the UK with their second album, only to see their third release The Death of Cool largely ignored. Why was this? Well, aside from poor marketing and fierce competition, throughout musical history homosexual musicians were shunned and forced to hide themselves behind lies and inuendo. Even Freddy Mercury, whose flamboyant performances, chart topping hits, and band name would have made Liberace wink, sadly still hid his sexuality from the press.

This wasn’t and isn’t the case for lead singer and bassist Patrick Fitzgerald, who sang joyfully and confidently about his sexuality. Songs like “4 Men” and “Breathing Fear” (a song A&M balked at as it referenced gay bashing) didn’t back down to marketing pressure.
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 “When in Heaven” is the second single from The Death of Cool. It’s a lyrically humorous take on the afterlife and a great example of how three people can make a lot of music. From Swales’ loops and shimmering guitars to Fitzgerald’s basslines and Goodwin’s beats, each member of the group fold perfectly together. It’s not my favorite song of theirs, but it has some wonderful moments and I think it’s an excellent introductory track for those of you who either never heard of them or didn’t give them a chance.