siLLy puPPy
Sixth installment of the BUCKETHEAD world of PIKES in 2020 released on Oct 4th, 2020
Five tracks that add up to a second shy of 28 minutes
PIKE 281 - THE SEA REMEMBERS ITS OWN has been released after PIKE 283 which means PIKES 280 and 281 are still M.I.A. Like all PIKEs, this one is totally instrumental.
“Reflection On The Clouds” is a nice alternative metal mix with a robust riffing frenzy however it seems this one is primarily inspired by the Bumblefoot song “Don Pardo’s Pimpwagon” from his “911” album, a track that featured Matthias Eklundh as a guest guitarist. Just different enough not to be a ripoff but i know my guitarists!
The title track is less robust and focuses on a more atmospheric mid-tempo procession with typical hard / soft dynamics that implement arpeggio action and cranks out some of the newer production techniques of newer PIKES. Unfortunately this one is too familiar for its own good. Sounds like a dozen or so tunes and doesn’t stand out. It’s also the longest track and outstays its welcome at nearly 8 minutes long.
“Underneath” is a bit more interesting with an undulating guitar riff that provides a dark restless sensation with a bit of surf rock sensibilities. Now this one actually sounds like something new! Now only is the guitar interesting but the interaction between the bass, drums and atmospheric keyboards is quite pleasant as well.
“The Triangle’s Mind” is another mid-tempo rocker with jangly guitar riffs, light breezy drumming and bass. I have to say that i’m loving the tones and timbres on the newer PIKEs and this one has some countrified dusty desert spirit emerging from the guitar riffs but unfortunately the drumming sounds a little bland and could use some sprucing up. It’s OK but falls flat in the end.
“Cauldron’s Calling” brings some much needed metal life into this otherwise sleepy but not comatose PIKE. It begins very sleepy but just as i’m about to yawn it explodes into a pyroclastic guitar stomping session of heavy distorted staccato which allows the distortion to bleed into the cracks. Followed by some innovative guitar shredding this exemplifies BH’s most interesting guitar innovating antics. This one is by far my favorite track here but woefully ends shortly after 2 minutes. I would’ve preferred an entire album like this. Wah!