You don't need to say a word to say a ton. These fantastic rock instrumentals prove that, and they've become iconic because of it.

The Chicago band Pelican came upon its instrumental sound in a bit of serendipity, when its members couldn't find a lead singer equal to the power and depth of their songs' melodies and arrangements.

Few musical styles carry such enduring and hoary cliches as instrumental rock. The term may bring to mind Woodstock-era prog-rock groups like Emerson, Lake and Palmer and Yes charging off on extended ...