siLLy puPPy After a long absence, the seemingly indefatigable BUCKETHEAD returns in 2021 with another edition of his PIKE series. Far from the hundreds of albums released in 2014-15, in 2020 BH only unleashed nine hatchlings onto the world.

PIKE 287 - ELECTRUM is the first baby chick to emerge from the coop in 2021 and BUCKETHEAD is continuing to release the numbered PIKEs out of order since the previous edition was “Pike 284” therefore 285 and 286 are still in the hatchery. My guess is that he has been incubating many of these for a while and simply releases them once they are done at varying rates.

PIKE 287 - ELECTRUM is yet another near 30 minute experience which features only three tracks however this one is unique in that the opening title track runs just over 24 minutes and the other two tracks are both under 3. Of course BUCKETHEAD plays all instruments and this was released digitally only but unfortunately unlike the misleading price of 13 cents on the PIKE covers, this PIKE goes for 8.99$.

The title track is pretty much the entire PIKE and features the by-now typical arrangement of guitars, bass, drums and a bit of keyboard ambience. This is basically alternative rock with crunchy guitar riffs nurtured into a melodic construct with slower parts and more upbeat cadences of heavier rock. While implementing the tried and true formula of a post-rock styled cyclical loop that incorporates a single melody that alternates with a few others, “Electrum” crafts a tapestry of varying dynamics and subtle guitar differences that sprawl out to a whopping 24 plus minutes. Decent but nothing out of the ordinary either however diverse enough to be entertaining. 
“Astro Backyard” starts of with clean arpeggiated guitar but then adds some of those clucking heavier alt rock guitar riffs. This one is pretty cool as it has interesting rhythmic chops and dynamic shifts from heavy to softer. Short and sweet but satisfying.

“Archway” is the heaviest track on board with an instant heavy guitar riff and a choppy time signature. Alternates with what almost sounds like black metal guitar tones. Another nice short but sweet mix of heavy and less heavy.

Not a bad PIKE, in fact one of the better ones of recent memory however still not in the league of when the series began. I much prefer the last two short tracks over the sprawling title track opener and wish that there would’ve been a reallocation of time with the last two at least being doubled in length however as these alternative rock PIKEs go, this one is worthy of hearing again as it employs new ideas and there is an effort to keep things from sounding too repetitive.