Buckethead Pike Reviews
A review of Pike 64 'Aquarium' by Buckethead released July 16th 2014
Good evening everybody, today we're back to dive right into Buckethead's Pike album series, with Pike 64 'Aquarium'. So, let's begin. Woo!!
Released July 16th 2014, Pike 64 was one of a handful of pikes released that month, and with a run-time of just over 29 minutes, was one of the shortest Pikes of 2014.
The 5 track album kicks off with its title track 'Aquarium'. The shortest track on the album at just under 4 minutes, it launches right into heavy riffage backed by some frantic kick drums. 'Aquarium' is one of those songs that even though it's a fairly enjoyable listen, you might have a hard time recalling some of the riffs by the songs end as they aren't really that memorable. It's not a solid opener and arguably the albums weakest track.
Track 2 'Without Form' picks up where track 1 left off, but has a slightly better flow and hits some good points, especially around the 1 minute 50 mark when it really locks on to an excellent groove. But unfortunately it doesn't stick with the memorable riff and instead goes back to more unremarkable riffage. It's better than track 1, but not by much. And the drums on this track are especially poor, feeling far too computerized, to the point of harming the song.
Track 3 'Attention Electric Cyclone' is next and from the few bars of the song it'll make you think you've somehow switched albums to a far better one. The song immediately locks you in, theres some excellent headbanging riffage throughout, and the drums complement the song and are far better than the previous tracks. It's not a great song, but it's alright and easily the best so far.
Up next the albums longest track at just over 7.5 minutes 'Beyond the Windmill'. Like the previous track, it starts off strong with a memorable and enjoyable riff and utilizes it effectively throughout the track, occasionally changing things up and ending up with a subtle guitar solo and killswitch outro. Again, its not a wow song but its alright, and the best track so far.
The album concludes with it's 2nd longest track 'Hopper Feeding Mash'. Essentially more of the same flow and style as the previous track, it takes its time to find its footing, really hitting the mark around 3.5 minutes in until the song and albums 7 minute conclusion. Along with track 4 it's the albums best song, which to be honest, might not be much of a praise at this point. But it's something.
Overall, Pike 64 feels really disjointed, it doesn't flow well as an album and the drums are really all over the place. But even though it starts off fairly weak with its first two tracks, it picks up as the album goes along and has good points like tracks 4 & 5. None of the songs are even close to being 4 or 5 star tracks and therefore it might not be an album you'll revisit that often.
After adding up the rating I gave for each track, It came to exactly 57%, which I'd categorize as Average. And for this Pike and by Buckethead's standards, it is. You can find my individual song ratings and break down on our website natternet.com
So, what's your rating for Pike 64?
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 64 is 25 . Then times it by 100.
So Buckethead's 'Aquarium'? Sink or Swim?
Pike 64 'Aquarium' RATINGS (out of 5)
1. Aquarium **¼ (2.25)
2. Without Form **½ (2.5)
3. Attention Electric Cyclone *** (3)
4. Beyond the Windmill ***¼ (3.25)
5. Hooper Feeding Mash ***¼ (3.25)
Album length: 29:08
Total = 14.25 out of 25 (Album = 57%, Average)
1-20 % = Poor
20- 40 % = Below Average
40-60 % = Average
60-80 % = Good
80-100 % = Awesome!