PELICAN - Ataraxia/Taraxis on Southern Lords vinyl:

The mighty Pelican return on Southern Lords with "Ataraxia/Taraxis", ostensibly an EP of new material but in the day this would for many be considered an LP. Whatever, it is bargain priced (I paid $12 for mine) which is a bonus.

Pelican are too often lumped n with the darker side of the metal genre, in fact, they are an art rock/art metal band - all instrumental - with space rock tendencies as the view is rather 'transportative' and 'atmospheric', influences as far as My Bloody Valentine and through to Mahavishnu come together to form a very unique sound.

Ataraxia/Taraxis is far from riffing or noodling, nor is it drone type metal. Pelican have become highly melodic, conjuring what can only be described as metallic soundscapes and inner journeys. Guitars drift in and out of solos, there is tension and even menace underneath, crunch and feedback come in and release into a gentle space.

Sonically, as expected from Southern Lords, this vinyl is excellent. It has heft and delicacy. Pressings is perfectly fine. The cover is very thick old-style cardboard. This is without a doubt triple stoner music, outstandingly crafted, and comes with a very high recommendation to any with a sense of the unexpected who enjoy music as a transportation device.