Pelican: City of Echoes

From browsing 18+, readers may get the feeling that we are being paid by Hydra Head Records. This, in part, is due to the fact that we can't stop dick-riding the new Clouds record. In keeping with that trend, I've tracked down Pelican's latest, City of Echoes (due out May 22nd). Since Luke and I are both down-home Chicago bros, and since we both play drums, Pelican is a bittersweet pill to swallow. Sure, the guitar work is usually pretty phenomenal, and hell, my band even recorded at the same place with the same engineer, but if there is any consistent and easily identifiable handicap to their music, it's the lackluster drumming. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy much of Pelican's catalog, and am a particular fan of 2005's The Fire In Our Throats Will Beckon The Thaw, but goddamnit, their drummer sounds like he is constantly waiting anxiously to use his brand new double-kick pedal and turn it out System of a Down style. Usually, this restraint isn't noticeable among a majority of drummers, but most of Pelican's songs have startlingly similar drum and bass parts, which is due primarily to an unimaginative rhythm section. C'mon guys, if you need a new drummer, you know where to find one. I mean, fuck, if you're that desperate, Luke may even be able to take a break from his many punk rock bands to fill in.

Anyway, continuing with Pelican tradition, the best track is saved for last, and I am providing you with it here. Happy Wednesday.

Pelican - A Delicate Sense Of Balance