Red cover

Red

Guillemots · 2008

50 min · 11 tracks · indie rock

A vibrant fusion of eclectic sounds, blending orchestral flourishes with indie rock energy and introspective lyricism.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Falling Out of Reach — This track encapsulates the album's emotional core with its lush instrumentation and poignant lyrics about longing and connection, showcasing the band's ability to blend vulnerability with grandeur.
  • →
    Get Over It — The upbeat tempo and catchy chorus contrast sharply with its introspective lyrics, illustrating the band's knack for weaving complex emotions into accessible melodies.
  • →
    Words — As one of the longest tracks on the album, it builds an intricate narrative through layered vocals and expansive instrumentation, highlighting the band's experimental spirit.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album showcases eclectic arrangements and shifts in tempo, creating a distinct yet uneven listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track that features layered instrumentation, immediately establishing a vibrant sound.
  • Several tracks incorporate orchestral elements, such as strings and brass, which are interwoven with traditional rock instrumentation.
  • The pacing fluctuates significantly; after a series of upbeat songs, the middle section introduces slower, more introspective pieces.
  • The final track concludes with a gradual fade-out, leaving an open-ended feeling that contrasts with the earlier tracks.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • vibrant energy for uplifting moments
  • introspective reflections during quiet times
  • sing-along anthems with friends
  • dynamic shifts keep engagement fresh

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek purely minimalist soundscapes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in January 2008, Red marked Guillemots' second studio album following their debut, Through the Windowpane. The band was navigating a creative evolution, aiming to refine their sound while maintaining their unique blend of influences. Following critical acclaim for their debut, this album sought to expand their sonic palette and lyrical depth.
Stylistic neighbors
The Maccabees· Biffy Clyro· Foals

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Kriss Kross 4:24
  • 2 Big Dog 3:50
  • 3 Falling Out of Reach 4:54
  • 4 Get Over It 4:19
  • 5 Clarion 4:04
  • 6 Last Kiss 3:26
  • 7 Cockateels 4:31
  • 8 Words 6:31
  • 9 Standing on the Last Star 4:31
  • 10 Don't Look Down 4:39
  • 11 Take Me Home 5:38

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata