The Angry Scotsman This album is a bit of a departure for Pelican, which is why I think (despite critical reviews) fans of the band don’t seem to care for this album, at least not as much as their other work. At first I was on board with that though I couldn’t put my finger on why. With time though “What We All Came to Need” grew on me, and while it may not be the strongest album the band has put out, it is still very good.

Before this album, Pelican switched from one slower, progressive metal focused label (Hydra Head) to another (Southern Lord) and while both specialize in the same general types of band, Pelican changed things up with this release. The emphasis on riffing, (one of their defining features amongst post metal bands) is subdued, as is the heaviness. Now, it is still undeniably heavy, but less “sludgey” less bottom heavy and outright pulverizing. So at first listen this album can be a bit underwhelming.

Though it’s just a different style, instead of riffing and pummeling this album is about texture, and atmosphere. I should say they are more the focus, as these qualities were always essential to Pelican. So it takes some getting used to certainly, but it has what you want from Pelican: guitar driven, upbeat post metal complete with amazing melodies, perfect guitar interplay, some awesome riffs, and while not as up tempo as “City of Echoes” still generally more so than most post metal. Progressive song writing still abounds, though it’s not as epic as previous work, and feels less structured overall and more drifty. There is also increased use of melodic passages on this album. This is a more cerebral and reflective Pelican.

Some notable songs are “The Creeper” which is the slowest, heaviest, most brutal song on the album, “Specks of Light” the riffiest, most up tempo song (and with some killer parts) and the finale, “Finale Breath” which features vocals! A first for Pelican. Instead of the harsh shouts or emotional singing customary to post metal, they opt for shoegazing like dream like vocals, fitting for the nowhere drifting nature of the song. The vocals are courtesy of Allen Epley (who I’ve not heard of personally) and some other guest musicians make an appearance, including Greg Anderson of Sunn O))) fame, and Aaron Turner of Isis.

A little less traditional Pelican and more traditional post rock/metal this is not the band’s best album, but it’s still a damn good one. With some time and listens it should strike you as a solid and well executed, if unspectacular, post metal album.

Three and a Half Stars

Sleepwalker Pelican is known for their sludgy and powerful instrumental songs. Where many bands aren't able to create exciting songs without vocals, Pelican is. The band's songs are very simply said composed out of several sludgy and unconventional riffs played by some talented musicians on extremely thick sounding guitars. Although this discribtion might sound a bit boring to the ears of some, I assure you the music isn't. The album features seven instrumental tracks and one song featuring guest vocals. Each song is unique, and apart from the sound of the instruments very different in terms of composition. "Glimmer" is the album's fantastic opener. Starting out quite slow and mysterious, it builds up to a brilliant song. "The Creeper" is a more sludgy piece. It also is a bit less interesting I think, though being a great track as well. "Ephemeral" is the album's biggest highlight, featuring a series of thick, heavy and interesting riffs. The song is, though only five minutes, a very diverse one. The fourth song, "Specks Of Light" starts out with a dark, complicated riff. The middle part features enchanting clean guitar playing but will return to the heaviness after a while.

"Strung Up From The Sky" is one of the softer songs on the album, though it still features some thick, sludgy riffs. Most of the music in this song sounds pretty clean and smooth though. "An Inch Above Sand" is one of the least interesting songs on the album. Though it features a few good riffs, it also features several much less interesting riffs. The title track is like most tracks pretty sludgy. It isn't in a very dark mood though, like most of the other songs. The final song, "Final Breath", features apart from the bands incredible music also guest vocals. The vocals fit the song well, making it an interesting piece, though I prefer the unique instrumental Pelican honestly.

What We All Come To Need is a very interesting release full of epic climaxes, sludgy and thick instrumentalism and a dark, atmospheric sound. This probably is my favorite release of 2009. I give it a 3.5 rating because of it being an interesting, innovative and unique album. A fan of thick, sludgy and unconventional guitar playing should definitely check this album out.