Buckethead Pike Album Reviews
A Review of Pike 100 – The Mighty Microscope by Buckethead, released December 31st 2014
Good evening everybody, we're back for another rip roaring trip to Bucketheadland to take a look at Pike 100 'The Mighty Microscope'. So, let's begin. Woo!!
Released on New Years Eve 2014, Pike 100 dropped the same day alongside Pike 101 'In the Hollow Hills'. The Mighty Microscope title is once again, one of the many references to Disneyland made by Buckethead. Referring to one of the centerpieces of the Disneyland ride 'Adventures through Inner Space' which was torn down and replaced in 1985, no doubt to the disappointment of Buckethead. Boy he loves Disney, doesn't he?
The 3 track album kicks off with the title track and longest track, the 14 minute 'Mighty Microscope'. In a continuation from Pike 99's 'Polar Trench' released 1 week prior and clearly recorded during the same sessions, the Jimi Hendrix style tone, vibe and licks are back. This is a pure Hendrix inspired overdrive Jam. Jams aren't for everybody, especially 14 minute ones, but this hits some high points and is a good opener.
Track 2 is the almost 5.5 minute 'Phase Yellow'. This has far more character than the previous track with the overdrive and phase guitar turned up to 11. And whilst so many guitarist out there misuse and abuse the wah pedal to death, Buckethead uses it to perfection here. 'Phase Yellow' feels like it was recorded in one take because he nailed it. A top notch song and easily the albums best track.
The album concludes with track 3 'Inner Space', yep, we're back to Disneyland. A great shift in tone and pace from the previous tracks, 'Inner Space' is a more subtle low-key jam that gets better as the track goes along, especially the last 1.5 minutes which is particularly glorious. Yes, its not a wow song and doesn't reach 4th or 5th gear, but that doesn't feel like it's intent. This is a soft, subtle, slow build chill song to wrap up an enjoyable album.
Overall, Pike 100 is a solid enjoyable album, it does lean far more towards on the fly jamming rather than structured compositions, which might not be to everyone's taste. But there's plenty to enjoy, and when those jams really lock you in and Buckethead let's rip, like track 2's 'Phase Yellow', it's a helluva ride.
After adding up the rating I gave for each track, It came to 71.5%, which I'd categorize as Very Good. Of course with it only being a 3 track album that does bump up the rating, but late 60's/early 70's feels about right. You can find my individual song ratings and break down on our website natternet.com
So, what's your rating for Pike 100?
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 100 is 15. Then times it by 100.
Pike 100 'The Mighty Microscope' RATINGS (out of 5)
1. The Mighty Microscope *** (3)
2. Phase Yellow ****¼ (4.25)
3. Inner Space ***½ (3.5)
Album length: 30:00
Total = 11 out of 15 (Album = 71.5%, Very Good!)
1-20 % = Poor
20- 40 % = Below Average
40-60 % = Average
60-80 % = Good
80-100 % = Awesome!