Buckethead Pike Album Review
A review of Pike 97 'Passageways' by Buckethead, released December 12th 2014
Good evening everybody, today we're going through the passages of Bucketheadland for Buckethead's 97th Pike album 'Passageways'. So, let's begin. Woo!!
Released December 12th 2014, Pike 97 was the 2nd of 7 albums released the month of Christmas.
With the 5 part suite kicking off with Passageway 1. With an overall melancholy vibe backed by simple yet effect swells, part 1 sets the tone of the album perfectly and slowly builds nicely ready for part 2.
Passageway 2 lifts things up with some excellent lead and rhythm guitar really kicking into gear around the 1.5 minute mark with a tone to die for. It's the shortest of the suites at just under 3 minutes but effectively carries on the suite.
Passageway 3 is the 2nd longest track of the suite at just under 7 minutes, picking things up with an overall feel good vibe. Once again the rhythm and backing is excellent, and the lead guitar work subtle but effective. The Passageway suite goes from strength to strength with each track, with this one being the standout so far.
Passageway 4 takes over with the drums being more noticeable and upfront early on before the rhythm and lead take things back over. Another feel good track, not as strong as the previous but keeps things moving along nicely.
The album concludes with its longest track of the suite, the just over 10 minute Passageway 5. And this is what the rest of the album has been building to. An outstanding crescendo to finish off the suite, the soloing is subtle and understated and that's exactly what it needs to be. Buckethead doesn't resort to being flashy or utilizing speed picking, this isn't the place for it. So hat's off to the GOAT for not going there. An excellent pay off.
Overall, Pike 97 is one of the many multiple part suites that Buckethead nails, especially parts 3 & 5. Each track builds nicely until its longest, best and final track, there's some excellent rhythm and lead guitar work on display, the drums are minimal and the change in tones from melancholy to uplifting works effectively.
After adding up the rating I gave for each track, It came exactly 70%, which I'd categorize as Very Good. And although this is clearly meant as one continuous piece, the rating of 70% and 4.5 stars feels about right overall. You can find my song ratings and breakdown on our website natternet.com
So, what's your rating for Pike 97? Be sure to let us know.
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 97 is 25. Then times it by 100. Or simply rate the album as one complete track.
Pike 97 'Passageways' RATINGS (out of 5)
1. Passageway 1 *** (3)
2. Passageway 2 ***½ (3.5)
3. Passageway 3 ***¾ (3.75)
4. Passageway 4 ***¼ (3.25)
5. Passageway 5 **** (4)
Album length: 29:03
Total = 17.5 out of 25 (Album = 70%, Very Good)
1-20 % = Poor
20- 40 % = Below Average
40-60 % = Average
60-80 % = Good
80-100 % = Awesome
Buy the album HERE
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