Buckethead Pike Reviews
A review of Pike 216 'Wheels of Ferris' by Buckethead, released December 8th 2015
Good evening everybody, today we're back with another trip to Bucketheadland for Buckethead's 216th Pike album 'Wheels of Ferris'. So, let's begin. Woo!!
Released December 8th 2015, Pike 216 was the 115th Pike released that year alone. Epic. With the albums title obviously a play on Ferris wheel with one of the more unique covers asking us to 'see the reverse for operating instructions'.
The 7 track album kicks off with its joint longest track, Saw See. What starts as a slow beat chill song picks up steam around the 1.5 minute mark with some excellent chord progression and subtle guitar work. A solid enjoyable opener that definitely could've been elevated to the next level with an ending solo but still, good stuff.
Next up is Track 2 'Forgotten Factory'. This has an excellent marching style rock beat that will no doubt get your foot stomping. Like track 1 it might not reach that next level of brilliance but still, an enjoyable rocker.
Track 3 is the album shortest track, the 2 minute 'Lamp'. Like track 2 this has a solid marching beat mid song, though the track ends abruptly feeling more of prelude to the albums next track.
Track 4 is the title track 'Wheels of Ferris'. Much like track 1 'Saw See' this is a slow beat chill song mixed with heavy riffage and excellent chord progression. And also like track 1 could've benefited from an ending solo. That being said, it's enjoyable, easily accessible and an album standout.
Track 5 'Stapler' seamlessly carries on from Wheels of Ferris and kicks in with a fantastic beat around the 1 minute mark. At just over 2 minutes its and out and does the job. Good stuff.
Track 6 is the 7 minute 'B Train to the Bronx'. Again the chord progression and rhythm is fantastic. Whilst some of the previous tracks could've done with a solo this one really doesn't need it. Excellent riffs complimented by its drum track. Its solid, well paced and another album standout.
The album concludes with track 7, the misspelled 'Wax Barrell'. A slow crawl blues rocker that draws you in and gets your foot tapping. Unfortunately it ends far too early whilst it still had a lot more life and mileage. This one really could've stolen the album had it gone longer but still, its another solid multiple listen track. One that has shades of Pike 131's 'Murky Waters'.
Overall, Pike 216 is a solid album from start to finish. Even though there's no out and out guitar solo's and doesn't have those flashy wow moments, the riffs, rhythm and progressions are excellent. And whilst the tracks are good by themselves, the real enjoyment comes from the album as a whole. It's well arranged and is one of the better flowing Pikes out there.
After adding up the rating I gave for each track, It came to an impressive 71%, which I'd categorize as Very Good. And you can find my song ratings and breakdown on our website natternet.com
So, what's your rating for Pike 216?
To work out what percentage you'd give the album, rate each song out of 5 stars, add up your total and divide it by the total score possible, which for Pike 216 is 35. Then times it by 100.
Pike 216 'Wheels of Ferris' RATINGS (out of 5)
1. Saw See ***¾ (3.75)
2. Forgotten Factory ***¼ (3.25)
3. Lamp *** (3)
4. Wheels of Ferris ***¾ (3.75)
5. Stapler ***½ (3.5)
6. B Train to Bronx ***¾ (3.75)
7. Wax Barrell ***¾ (3.75)
Album length: 30:01
Total = 24.75 out of 35 (Album = 71%, Very Good)
1-20 % = Poor
20- 40 % = Below Average
40-60 % = Average
60-80 % = Good
80-100 % = Awesome
Buy the Album HERE