siLLy puPPy PIKE 32 - RISE OF THE BLUE LOTUS is the 22nd album released in the PIKE series in 2013 by BUCKETHEAD and the 62nd overall solo studio album. This is yet another eclectic instrumental album that BH graces us with his instrumental prowess and production handled by Dan Monti and Albert once again. This one only has THREE tracks and clocks in at at 29:35 and all tracks are clearly separated. With a title like this i was expecting yoga class music and this is a mellow album but it is better than the previous turkey

“Mountain Cabin” (6:29) begins with a somewhat echoed guitar riff and cymbals and drumbeat and then becomes a mellow rocker. I like the way the clean guitar echoes. The songwriting isn’t exactly brilliant but at least it’s a pleasant listen

“The Flooding Of Plain” (10:11) starts off with a very slow clean guitar and a little light percussion and then becomes one of those super mellow tracks with a repetitive songwriting structure where a riff plays over and over and a very subdued lead adds a counterpoint. This one does sound more like yoga music but too aggressive for that and not relaxing enough for the experience

“Rise Of The Blue Lotus” (12:55) is slightly more upbeat by upping the tempo a couple notches but still has that clean guitar and held back percussion feel. It also utilizes the same formula of repeating a simple chord sequence. Ugh, my worst nightmares come true. This IS a repetitive ad infinitum track!

The first track is listenable but the rest BOOORING! Fans of BH’s mellow albums that have no creativity and utmost predictability will love this crap. I, on the other hand, do KNOT