Buckethead Pike Reviews
A review of Pike 166 'Region' by Buckethead, released August 25th 2015
Good evening everybody, today we're back with another epic slice of guitar hero Buckethead's Pike album series, with Pike 166 'Region'. So, let's begin. Woo!!
Released August 25th 2015, Pike 166 was the 7th of 8 albums released that month and is the 2nd longest Pike album of the year behind Pike 162 'Four Forms', and one of the overall longest, at just over 33 minutes.
The album kicks of with it's title track, the 7 minute 'Region'. Right off the bat Buckethead's guitar tone grabs you and pulls you right in. A stunning tone that thankfully stays throughout the album. This is a pure guitar solo jam, with some excellent licks especially toward the latter part of the track. Excellent start.
Track 2 is the 5.5 minute 'Castle Stairs'. Again you're immediately locked in with that tone and fantastic opening riff, before Buckethead let's rip around the 50 second mark onwards with some mesmerizing soloing. This could've easily been one of those tracks that Buckethead could've kept on going for another 10 minutes but it gets out at the right time and doesn't outstay it's welcome. It's all solo, and it's all fantastic.
Next up, the 6 minute 'River of Liquid of Fire'. The guitar tone, feedback and sustain is killer. The feeling and emotion are turned up to 11 and the soloing, riffs and understated drums are outstanding. An instant classic that's packed full of character, this track to me is what 'Machine Gun' was to Jimi Hendrix, a masterclass in storytelling through the sound of guitar. 5 stars. Awesome.
Track 4 is the albums longest track, the over 8.5 minute 'Clock Striking'. This is slow blues rock at it's finest. Again that tone and those bends of the guitar are to die for. The track slows down toward the middle section allowing the song to breath before kicking back in with more breathtaking soloing. Another solid, top notch track.
The album concludes with it's shortest track, 'Ancient Desert'. Bringing a more reflective melancholy vibe, it's the perfect way to end the album. Like every other track on this Pike Buckethead is locked in and in the moment the entire time. Packed full of feeling, the bends are outstanding and for me, along with 'River of Liquid Fire' it gets the perfect 5 stars.
Overall Pike 166 from beginning to end is as close to perfection as you'll ever get. From the guitar tone to the solo's to feeling, everything is on point and faultless. Take any one of the 5 songs off this Pike and put them on another Pike and more often than not, it'll be the best track on there. Pike 166 is easily one of the best Pikes and albums Buckethead has ever produced, and it might even be THE best. It's certainly in the conversation.
After adding up the rating I gave for each track, It came to a gigantic 89%, which I'd categorize as 5 star Awesome. And you can find my individual song ratings and breakdown on our website Natternet.com
So, what's your rating for Pike 166?
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 166 is 25. Then times it by 100.
Pike 166 'Region' RATINGS (out of 5)
1. Region **** (4)
2. Castle Stairs **** (4)
3. River of Liquid Fire ***** (5)
4. Clock Striking ****¼ (4.25)
5. Ancient Desert ***** (5)
Album length: 33:11
Total = 22.25 out of 25 (Album = 89%, Awesome!)
1-20 % = Poor
20- 40 % = Below Average
40-60 % = Average
60-80 % = Good
80-100 % = Awesome
Buy the album HERE