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Instrumental Bands Who Don’t Need a Vocalist for Their Voices to Shine Through

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In a world where much of the attention is on the lead vocalist in a band, there is another realm of bands that exist without vocals, yet are still able to convey a voice solely through instrumental ingenuity. While there are a great number of these bands at the scene’s disposal, it can be difficult for them to stand out against the sheer number of other bands in the scene. For this reason, we have compiled a list of bands that will satisfy your instrumental cravings. 

Intervals 

Founded by guitarist Aaron Marshall, Intervals puts guitar work at the front and center of every release. Now the sole member of the band, Marshall’s diverse riffs, original rhythms, and overall progressive sound makes Intervals stand out from the typical djent-style patterns we’re used to hearing. His tracks constantly deliver a mixture of melody and emotion, with a gracious amount of technical prowess, that makes you appreciate each and every moment. His warmth and positivity exude an infectious energy that makes it near impossible to stop listening once you’ve started. Intervals force listeners to feel the message, instead of being told it directly.

[youtube=://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQ3_AKdQY_8&w=854&h=480]

Stuck In November 

A vast melodic journey, Stuck in November delivers a diverse cornucopia of sounds that create something that is instantly captivating, adventurous, and sugary sweet. The beauty of Stuck In November’s sound is their ability to go against the grain with quirky instrumental methods to produce something that is characteristically their own sound. Overall, it’s an experience you will never forget once you hear a tiny taste of what this band has to offer.

Widek

A one-man-band that seems to possess all the instrumental talent one could possibly muster up, Widek progresses through more  instrumental ideas in one piece than most bands do on an entire album. Though the instrumental ability of Widek is abundantly clear, the balance between melodic structure and atmospheric restraint is what separates him from the rest. Widek crafts some of the most immersive and interesting soundscapes the experimental post-metal scene has ever recieved. 

Polyphia

Different from the other bands mentioned in this list so far, Polyphia has a clear and focused sound when it comes to composing instrumental music. With a playing style unlike anything currently being done in the genre at the moment, Polyphia ranks as one of the best. Besides knowing how to effectively deliver a one of a kind instrumental centerpiece, this band has a sense of control between balance and orchestrated chaos. Their ability to craft such intricate and dynamic tracks is one of the more charming qualities of these immensely talented musicians. They infuse flavors of blues, jazz, and metal in a microcosm that not only comes off as impressive but also encapsulates sui generis instrumental encounter unlike any other. Best of all, when you get a new Polyphia release you can guarantee it will be a fascinating, off-the-wall experience. 

[youtube=://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_gkpYORQLU&w=854&h=480]

Ka-Lani

A newcomer to the world of progressive instrumental rock, Ka-Lani is a hidden gem. When it comes to this genre, your ability to move and inspire people without a vocalist is essential, and a skill Ka-Lani seems to have mastered. With an uncanny ability to create intricate and cathartic experiences, his music possesses an ability to transcend us to serenity. Dazzling the listener with creative and wistful arrangements that show a great control of grace and restraint, it’s hard not to fall in love with every track.

A Picture of Her

Truly an enigma in the world of instrumental post-rock, A Picture of Her is a band that consistently takes us on a mesmerizing journey of subdued guitar beauty and quick paced drum work. A band that doesn’t overplay, A Picture of Her takes the time to slowly build up and appreciate the intricate musical territories they set before us. Each track envelopes your mind with honest emotion and makes you want to stay in that peaceful sound they have created. Though one wouldn’t necessarily consider their style revolutionary, it’s their ability to simultaneously maintain a calm space and show off technical skill that can be appreciated by any and all listeners. 

Chon

One of the best instrumental bands to surface in recent years, their unique use of percussion elements and inventive guitar precision make it hard not to get lost in Chon’s albums. Though there is an effortless and groovy style that Chon provides to listeners on a surface level, their music oscillates between the boundaries of beautiful technical control and contagious rhythms with each release. It is a knowledge of emotional instrumental movement that makes this band stand out in the progressive/math arena as one of the most successful instrumental acts around. 

[youtube=://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQcp3UWQOmM&w=854&h=480]