Buckethead Pike Album Reviews
A review of Pike 218 'Old Toys' by Buckethead, released December 24th 2015
Good evening everybody, today we're back with another never ending trip to Bucketheadland for a look at Buckethead's 218th Pike album 'Old Toys'. So, let's begin. Woo!!
Released on Christmas Eve, Pike 218 was the 117th and penultimate Pike release of a crazy 2015. With the 6 track album kicking off with it's title track 'Old Toys'.
An outstanding intro, the riffage sets the pace and the lead guitar overlays are fantastic. The solo work at the 2 minute mark onwards is utterly flawless and absolutely glorious. When it comes to the opening tracks of a pike album, this is well up there with the best of them. Stunning.
Track 2 is the 4.5 minute 'Zone Ahead'. Slowing things down the guitar work is far more understated than the previous track letting each note and bend breath, and allowing the feeling emotion to come through. It's Subtle but brilliant. The only flaw would be the songs unremarkable and somewhat generic drum track, but besides that, good stuff.
Track 3 is the almost 7 minute 'Mount Shasta'. And did someone mention feeling and emotion? Coz boy does this one have it. The guitar tone is stunning and Buckethead is clearly locked in and in the moment the entire time. The 7 minutes absolutely fly by but don't worry coz you'll have this one on repeat for the rest of your life.
Track 4 'Oak Island' shifts pace with an uplifting feel good rocker, backed by some AC/DC style riffage, the solo work, like the rest of this album is on point and it can't help but put a smile on your face. Buckethead is clearly having fun and so are we. An album standout, Oak Island is top notch. Excellent.
Track 5 is the albums shortest track, the 2 minute and 40 'Exit 46'. Again it's an excellent shift of tone with Buckethead having the blues. Like track 2's 'Zone Ahead' this is glorious understated noodling. This could've easily gone on for days but it's short length works perfectly and assures the songs doesn't outstay its welcome. Nice.
The album concludes with the 6 minute 'Valley of the Fog'. A perfect way to wrap up the album, this is slow, reflective and melancholy. Had this been the albums opening track its effectiveness might not have come through, but ending with this track makes us feel like we've been on a journey. And with this album, we most certainly have.
Overall, Pike 218 is quite simply one of the absolute best Pike albums Buckethead has ever released. Every track you can listen to multiple times with each having a different vibe and feel than the next, whilst at the same time staying overall cohesive. Every song is on point and thought out, when he needs to be flashy he is, when he needs to be subtle and reel it in he does and so on. As an album to enjoy from start to finish that showcases multiple styles and directions, this might well be the best of the bunch. It's certainly in the conversation and it's certainly a genuine 5 star album. Love it.
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 song ratings and breakdown on our website natternet.com
So, what's your rating for Pike 218? 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 218 is 30. Then times it by 100.
Pike 218 'Old Toys' RATINGS (out of 5)
1. Old Toys ***** (5)
2. Zone Ahead ***¾ (3.75)
3. Mount Shasta ***** (5)
4. Oak Island ***** (5)
5. Exit 46 ***¾ (3.75)
6. Valley of the Fog ****¼ (4.25)
Album length: 29:49
Total = 26.75 out of 30 (Album = 89%, Awesome!)
1-20 % = Poor
20- 40 % = Below Average
40-60 % = Average
60-80 % = Good
80-100 % = Awesome
Buy the Album HERE