Riding the wave of instrumental music that swept over the Windy City almost a decade ago, Chicago-based quartet Pelican’s music falls somewhere between the genres of doom metal and post-rock, equalling what is now considered “post-metal.” Known for heavy combinations of varying melodies and longer-than-usual track lengths, Pelican started out by feeling around the instrumental/metal scene. Although there are no words to any of their songs, the latest album, City of Echoes (Hydra Head), has more of a lyrical feel, led by the prevalent nature themes that run through all three of Pelican’s albums. City of Echoes comes across sharp and clear, with highs and lows that underlie a sense of aggression tempered by a bit of pop. Similar metal-instrumental group Priestbird (formerly Tarantula A.D.) and Your Black Star are also on the bill. The show is on Friday (July 20) at Mohawk Place, starting at 9pm.