Despite its relative short length, Instrumental proves to be one of Nick Harper's best, containing more good moments than his last two studio efforts combined. The fact that five of the six cuts are instrumental really brings to the fore Harper's talent on the acoustic guitar. The haunting soundscapes range from the Zeppelin-esque -- and aptly titled -- "Swansong" to the raga-inflected "Riverside (Revisited)," which updates a song from Harper's debut EP. While Instrumental is not wholly indicative of Harper's typical songcraft, which usually includes vocals, it is nonetheless a complete success. It shows him to be the musical heir of not only his father, but also of Richard Thompson and Bert Jansch, and that's hallowed company indeed.