siLLy puPPy PIKE 122 - THE OTHER SIDE OF DARK is the 21st album released by BUCKETHEAD in 2015. Keeping in PIKE form, this one clocks in near the half hour mark at 28:49. The trend reverses back to two long tracks taking up the album’s running time. It is also an all instrumental album with all instruments performed by BUCKETHEAD.

The title track runs first and is a lengthy track at 16:50. It is mid-tempo and for the most part comprises an echo guitar riff with accompanying bass and drums. The melodic development is similar to the “Colma” days almost being in that category but just a little more rockin’ with a nice bassy riff. This track goes on and on and on and really nothing interesting happens. Ho hum.

The second track is “Three Wheeler” which clocks in at 11:59. This one starts out much more interestingly. It has a kinda power ballad metal sorta staccato riff thing going on with a nice bass line and guitar supplemental affect. It’s actually kinda poppy. What does this remind me of? Can’t put my finger on it. It’s kinda funky with a guitar that slides around and does some serious sheet. I’m actually liking this one. There are some electronic breakdowns here and there but the main melody remains steadfast. This actually reminds me of a ZZ Top type of bluesy rocker from the 70s. This is very pleasant and i give a thumbs up^^^^

Hate first song. Love second, well at least like it a lot. 3 stars