Pelican - Australasia (Hydra Head)

Reviewed by Mark Oster

Post-rock grew some jaws and Australasia was released. This full length debut from Chicago's instru-metal pioneers manages to be heavy and musically beautiful at the same time, not something that is all that rare in modern music, but at the degree that Pelican achieves both, they are left with few peers. 6 tracks long, with 3 weighing in at over ten minutes, it's very easy to get lost in Australasia, but it's an adventure you won't mind taking. I recommend this for fans of Neurosis, Isis, and the Melvins, but that seems restricting. Anybody that considers themselves even vaguely students of rock compositions should give Pelican a listen. You'll be glad you did.

Originally posted in Issue 1.1, August 2004