Kitchens Of Distinction 'Shiver (Live)' (Melody Maker/Rough Trade, 1990)

Now, I'm not a historian - and I'd be interested to hear other peoples' views - but I think that Kitchens Of Distinction might just have been the first Shoegazing band.

Their debut album 'Love Is Hell' featured highly shoe-y tracks like 'The First Time We Opened The Capsule' and guitarist Julian Swales creates a really expansive sound from his FX.

Listen to this live version of 'Shiver' from the Melody Maker/Rough Trade compilation 'Gigantic! 2'. You have to admit that it contains some of the key elements that went on to power the likes of Ride, Slowdive, Pale Saints, Revolver, Moose...

Shimmering, hugely effect-driven guitar work that builds from pastel waves to fireworks. Often-muttered vocals getting lost in a loud-quiet-loud miasma. That flat, tom-dominant drumming style.

On reflection, Pink Floyd were probably the first Shoegazers but, regardless, KOD were hugely under-rated indie stalwarts and this is well worth checking out.

Download Kitchens Of Distinction 'Shiver (Live)' (mp3) (Mediafire)