Buckethead Pike Reviews
A Pike album review of Pike 56 'Cycle' by Buckethead, released April 17th 2014
Good evening everybody, today we're back with another deep dive into guitar hero Buckethead's Pike album series, with Pike 56 'Cycle'. So, let's begin. Woo!!
Released April 17th 2014 Pike 56 was the 1st of 4 albums released that month kicking off with the 7.5 minute 'Repair Station'. A slow beat chill song with a somewhat futuristic cyberpunk feel. Its subtle but excellent and sets the tone for the rest of the album. And just like the remaining tracks, the vibe and feel would further be explored 2 pikes later on the excellent Pike 58 'Outpost', likely recorded during the same sessions, with this track baring similarities to the equally enjoyable and more uptempto track 'Pressed Pennies'. Solid opener.
Track two is the title track, the 10 minute 'Cycle'. Another slow beat track in similar vein to Track 1, again it's about subtlety rather than flashy guitar work. Some listeners might wish that Buckethead would've let rip near the end with some soloing but as it is, it's good enough and probably doesn't need it. This is a song that would fit perfectly on earlier Praxis or Shin Terai albums. Subtle, relaxing, chill out music.
The album concludes with the 13 minute 'Replacement Decal'. The tempo is slightly picked up for this one with the drum track and bass being more prominent throughout, with elements of funk thrown in, again baring similarities to Pike 58 'Outpost'. Another enjoyable listen.
Overall, Pike 56 is an enjoyable album that's subtle, chill and relaxing and especially great as background music without being too distracting. It might not get into 4th or 5th gear or set the world on fire but this isn't the albums intent. It's chill music there to chill you out, and that's exactly what it does. So, mission accomplished. And as mentioned, if you're looking for something similar but more uptempo and somewhat flashier, then visit the superior Pike 58 'Outpost' which feels somewhat like a sequel.
After adding up the rating I gave for each track, It came to 73%, which I'd categorize as Very Good. Of course with it only being a 3 track album it does bump up the rating, and really as an overall album I'd probably put it more in the lower-to mid 60's. And you can find my individual song ratings & breakdown on our website natternet.com
So, what's your rating for Pike 56?
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 56 is 15. Then times it by 100.
Pike 56 'Cycle' RATINGS (out of 5)
1. Repair Station ***½ (3.5)
2. Cycle ***¾ (3.75)
3. Replacement Decal ***¾ (3.75)
Album length: 30:21
Total = 11 out of 15 (Album = 73%, Very Good)
1-20 % = Poor
20- 40 % = Below Average
40-60 % = Average
60-80 % = Good
80-100 % = Awesome
Buy the Album HERE