siLLy puPPy PIKE 211 - SCREEN DOOR is the 109th album released by BUCKETHEAD in 2015. This is yet another all instrumental album with every instrument performed by BUCKETHEAD himself. The album clocks in at 28:02 and features six tracks that all spell out SCREEN DOOR at a time with the exception of the second track “Are” which i guess wants to agglutinate with the “Sc” to make “Scare” indicating that BUCKETHEAD is the master of free expression in his never-ending well spring of creativity.

“Sc” starts out as a mellow metal rocker and pretty much carries itself out as a melodic metal instrumental that develops that tried and true BUCKETHEAD instrumental rocker sound but at this point sounds a little dated and stale. Can’t say it’s anything original at this point and i’m finding the more PIKES i listen to in one year, the less intrigued i’m becoming with this constant recycling of ideas.

“Are” basically continues the same sound. It’s not even easy to tell where the tracks separate. Instrumental, well-played but predictable and i’m finding this boring at this point.

“Ee” continues with a slightly different riff but same style. I’m not thrilled. Meh.

“Nn” slows it down a little. This is a ballady type of rocker that has everything slowed down but not quite a “Colma” slow down. It does have heavy drum beat although slow and that famous echoey guitar. The melody is pretty standard and i’m finding this one quite meh as well.

“Do” ups the speed a bit more but has the same style. It sounds like heavily distorted arpeggios and power chord rock with the usual bass and drum accompaniment. Nothing i haven’t heard a million times at this point and i’m feeling very MEH about it.

“Or” is another upbeat metal rocker that actually has a more interesting riff and rhythm, however it repeats and becomes monotonous. I’m left with another meh impression.

This is a mid-tempo rocker for the most part that tries to be engaging but i’m finding it hard to appreciate it because it basically borrows so heavily from past glory and does nothing with it. Pretty much a snoozer but well played as always. It does pick up some steam at the end but it’s a little too little too late for me. I’m unthrilled by this one. Ho hum.