Pelican

It comes as no surprise that full-length number four from instrumental post-metal quartet Pelican is exactly what one would expect from these Chicago natives: a combination of ethereal movements and moments that could be defined as "heavier," but only when compared to their recorded predecessors. These thicker, more abrasive counterpoints are far from metal when rationalized against, say, Mayhem, but that's not what we crave from Pelican, nor is it what they endeavour to convey. Pulling a lot of influence from their past, particularly 2005's The Fire in Our Throats Will Beckon The Thaw and 2007's City of Echoes, What We All Come To Need is gloriously experimental and serene, the metallic equivalent of Tortoise's Millions Now Living Will Never Die. For that same reason, it may be a touch too out-there for the instant gratification Pelican fan but that's also a redeeming quality. Once again, the band force fans/listeners to earn their appreciation before revealing some of the deeper musical colours What We All Come To Need contains. Those who are patient enough will be forever grateful.