Pelican-What We All Come to Need
Southern Lord
October 27, 2009

The instrumental wizards are back and at their strongest. Not being a huge fan of instrumental music unless its big band swing or I'm playing it, Pelican are something special. Sure, they're not the only instrumental band I like, but they are my favorite in the rock category. They turn seven minute songs with no vocals in works of beauty. The mixture of clean and dirty guitar sounds add such great depth, giving the songs a heavy yet relaxing feel. That constrast is not something that is easy to pull off, but Pelican make it seem like child's play.

While the guitar work is the main focus on What We All Come to Need, its the drumming that keeps everything together. There is anything super technical going on, but there is a lot pounding, giving an image of a lot of headbanging going on behind the kit. Larry Herweg does a fantastic job following the guitars, while adding his own piece of magic to the process.

This is an album that can be enjoyed in its entirety or via each individual song. Its an intense listen, but one with a lot of positive ramifications. Pelican may very well be the most beautiful heavy band on the planet.

Written by: RF
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