Pelican Members, Gear & Sound

Pelican is a post-metal instrumental band hailing from Chicago, formed in 2000. The group consists of Trevor Shelley de Brauw (guitar), Laurent Schroeder-Lebec (guitar), Bryan Herweg (bass), and Larry Herweg (drums). Known for their expansive soundscapes, Pelican draws from a diverse array of genres including post-rock, sludge metal, and drone metal, creating music that is both heavy and atmospheric. Their instrumental prowess allows them to convey intricate emotions through layered compositions, often compared to the likes of Isis and Russian Circles.

Pelican's sound is characterized by thick, crushing guitar tones and dynamic shifts between serene melodies and thunderous riffs. Their music often employs a blend of distorted textures and clear, echoing harmonics, achieved through the use of gear such as the Gibson SG Standard paired with pedals like the Pro Co RAT for distortion and the Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler to add depth and space. The band's bass lines provide a resonant undercurrent, while the drums deliver a forceful yet nuanced drive, essential for their immersive, evolving soundscapes. Pelican crafts songs that are both aggressive and contemplative, embodying a sonic journey that thrives on contrast and intensity.