(Disclaimer: This is only vaguely based on Animals as Leaders (AAL), and much more focused on instrumental music overall.) 


Instrumental music has always been a bit of a niche genre at the best of times. It probably hit its peak during the 70's with Prog bands like Yes and such, although there is no factual evidence behind that claim. My point is, it's never exactly been the most heavily played style of music, nor is it generally considered 'easy listening'. I'm going to try and play devils advocate for a little bit here, and maybe try and persuade to think otherwise if you've always been a little fearful or just not interested in the world of instrumental music, more specifically, progressive instrumental music. And for the sake of ease, I'll use one of the most successful modern instrumental bands as a case study: Animals as Leaders.


A terrifying trio containing two of the worlds most technically capable on their chosen noise-maker, while the third is wildly underrated because of his juxtaposition to the previously mentioned two players. Matt Gartska (Drums) was a Berklee graduate, and often documented as scaring his peers because of his immense practice habits, playing up to 8 hours a day. Tosin Abasi (Main guitar) is a pioneer of the modern 8-string guitar, really becoming one of the figureheads of the modern progressive metal movement. But enough rambling.

Look at the music:


Chaotic, right? At least to a lot of people it is viewed that way (so congrats if this music feels completely comfortable to you from the outset, it didn't to me at all). Time signatures changing left right and centre and manic guitar parts; not exactly the recipe for a big-seller. But why? Is it the culture of music? Is it just the people who listen to it?

Who knows. My theory is that music is partially given to us, and the rest is for us to find ourselves. The obvious music that is given to us would be any music that managed to reach the top 40, as it is then often disseminated in places where we have little-to-no say on its use (for example, a supermarket, or a gym, or some pubs/clubs). There are songs that were played in my sixth form block on repeat that I don't think I'll ever forget, because of the aggressive repetitive nature with which I had to absorb them. But around 98% of music available to us (maybe even more) is not given. Its there, but how do you find it? That's an ongoing issue for music lovers like myself; the music I've always wanted to hear could be a single Spotify search away, but how do I know they exist? My point is - the music we are given becomes the music we find most comfortable to listen to. That's just my opinion, and it isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it does create some issues for music that is so obviously digressive.

Animals as Leaders is only scary to the listener because it is unfamiliar. As I put it in the title, there is always method in the madness - this music is not necessarily created to make you feel uneasy, but it has that effect on a lot of people because of the natural musical surroundings of the general populous. We, as consumers of popular music (and you probably are even if you don't want to be), often struggle to connect to music that lacks vocals, as the very familiar element of language helps us relate to what is otherwise difficult to understand if you are not 'musical' (and even if you are, its difficult in many cases).


I would argue that instrumental music is equally as enjoyable to listen to, but has to be listened to in a different way. Artists like Animals as Leaders write hooks and melodies as beautifully as any pop artist, they are just communicated in a different way. If you can learn to listen to instrumental music, it really can be rewarding. The most renowned classical composers of all time were often extremely popular in their time, which means that the general consumer enjoyed it. Somewhere along the line it seems the vast majority of society has lost either the ability or the interest to engage in instrumental music, often leaving the geeky musicians who just want to hear something odd to enjoy it. This never was and never should be the case.

If you can find a way to find that area of the brain that can comfortably listen to instrumental music, please do. I promise it's not just chaos or noise or lacking intent or clarity, it just needs to be listened to in the correct way. Just like the mind looks out for lyrics and vocal hooks in Pop music, the mind can look out of instrumental melodies, and texture, and dynamics in a vocal-less piece of music.

I'm simply making a plea for all music lovers who lack experience in this style of music to give it a go! Once you learn how to listen to stuff like AAL its beautiful. It's just as addictive as a pop hook. Its just as powerful as a well performed ballad. You just need to do it. Because its definitely worth it when you get there.

We're all trying to listen to as much great music as possible, right?