Buckethead Pike Reviews
A review of Pike 246 'Nettle' by Buckethead, released January 20th 2017.
Good evening everybody, today we're back with another trip to Bucketheadland for Buckethead's 246th Pike album 'Nettle'. So, let's begin. Woo!!
Released January 20th 2017, Pike 246 was the 3rd of 5 albums released that month alone and kicks off with its title track 'Nettle'. There's some nice heavy riffage on display that really picks up and finds its groove mid-song. And whilst It might not be a wow song by any means, its enjoyable, a good opener and sets the tone for the rest of the album.
Track 2 'Praying' is next, slowing things down with an excellent lick that carries the song through. The guitar tone is perfection and the songs progression is excellent. This song would be fantastic live and hopefully one day we get to here it. Could it have done with an ending solo? Probably. But, its still glorious and an album standout.
Track 3 'Storms' is next, picking the pace up with some frantic guitar riffage and drums. Fantastic pacing, easily accessible. And even though it's the albums shortest song at just over 2.5 minutes, this one doesn't feel like it ends prematurely at all. In and out, job done. Great stuff. And another album standout.
Track 4 'Barren Part 1' is next, opening up with a fantastic and highly memorable riff. There's an excellent foot stomping section around the 1.5 minute mark and once again the pacing is spot on. Another enjoyable, easily accessible track.
Track 5 picks up where track 4 left off with 'Barren Part 2'. And if you thought the previous track needed a solo, this is that solo. 9.5 minutes of the master letting loose. The guitar tone, vibrato and bends are to die for and sure, it might go a bit too long, but when the GOAT wants to rip, let him rip.
Next up, track 6 'Open Ancient'. There's some enjoyable headbanging riffage on display and though not as strong as the previous four excellent tracks, it fits well on the album and is a good addition.
The album concludes with track 7 'Leaving Shells'. Similar to the previous tracks theres some nice headbanging riffage with the drums far more complimentary on this one than the previous, elevating the song in certain places. Another good addition and a suitable end to the album.
Overall, Pike 246 flows well as an album and is a very enjoyable Pike. 'Praying' 'Storm's and 'Barren Part 1 & 2' are the easy standouts, and the rest of the album doesn't disappoint. There's no weak or bad tracks, and it has some of Buckethead's most memorable and easily accessible riffs to date. Good stuff.
After adding up the rating I gave for each track, It came to an impressive 70%, 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 246?
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 246 is 35. Then times it by 100.
Pike 246 'Nettle' RATINGS (out of 5)
1. Nettle *** (3)
2. Praying **** (4)
3. Storms **** (4)
4. Barren Part 1 ***½ (3.5)
5. Barren Part 2 ***¾ (3.75)
6. Open Ancient *** (3)
7. Leaving Shells ***¼ (3.25)
Album length: 28:24
Total = 24.5 out of 35 (Album = 70%, Very Good!)
1-20 % = Poor
20- 40 % = Below Average
40-60 % = Average
60-80 % = Good
80-100 % = Awesome
Buy the album HERE