The Book of Lists - Red Arrows

The Book of Lists
Red Arrows
Global Symphonic
Grade: A-

Incredibly thick and dense orchestration coupled with the deep, dark vocal style of Chris Frey combine to make the debut by Vancouver’s The Book of Lists something special. Formed by Frey about a year ago, The Book of Lists is filled out by Brad Cranfield on drums, Laura Piasta on bass and Trevor Larson on guitar. Frey himself concurrently works in the more electro-based Radio Berlin, besides from other endeavors. And unlike Radio Berlin, Frey crafts this six-song, thirty-minute debut with arty, brit pop and splashes of new wave and pre-new wave rock (e.g., Roxy Music). Less on electronics and more on shrouds of darker-toned pop, Red Arrows really has the ability to reign you in after a couple of spins. Well suited for the Sub Pop audience as well as the Rough Trade audience, the listener is unlikely to be immediately floored as the mid-tempo pace on songs like “Pacifist Revolt” hints at lulling to sleep, but others like “Neurosis” grab your attention on first listen. The best strategy is to let it play in the background for a couple of spins and you eventually come to the conclusion that Red Arrows is an excellent record.