siLLy puPPy B U C K E T H E A D PIKE 235 - ONEIRIC POOL 16th album by BUCKETHEAD in 2016 (released on Oct 27) Clocks in at 29:47 ALL instrumental

The word ONEIRIC comes from the Greek noun “oneiros” (which means “dream”) and like many English words came into play in the 19th century when we wanted to cut our language off from its Germanic roots in extended word game play. The 16th album that comes from BUCKETHEAD in 2016 titled ONEIRIC POOL finally is released after a near seven month absence where the chicken lover took up touring again and probably needed a break from the incessant PIKE output. After all this time of sitting on his eggs to see what hatched, this should be a masterpiece, right? Well, let’s explore these mysteries of the universe a little deeper and come to the appropriate conclusions after the fact

“Oneiric Pool part 1” (3:18) begins the dormant PIKE series with something very familiar. A grungy guitar, medium tempo accompanied by bass and drums. Hmmm… i was expecting more for such a long wait. Seem pretty by the numbers at this point. The melodic developments are average and this totally sounds sooooooooooooooooooooooooo been-there-done-that. Yawn

“Oneiric Pool part 2” (4:25) imperceptibly continues track one! Same tempo, same melody, same everything! Yikes! Yeah, the riffing changes up a little but gimme a freekin’ break. How many PIKEs sound like this already? I think BH has been dipping into the wrong POOLs. We wanted the inspiration one, not the ghost of Christmas past :(

“Oneiric Pool part 3” (2:14) likewise continues everything imperceptibly. It’s becoming obvious that this is really one very long and boring track in disguise

“Oneiric Pool part 4” (3:39) ditto but does pick up steam a wee bit but not enough for my liking

“Oneiric Pool part 5” (4:36) sorta the same even though it slows down and becomes more distorted and slow, it still has the same basic repetitive melody

“Oneiric Pool part 6” (4:35) the same

“Oneiric Pool part 7” (5:57) and sadly same, same same!!!

At this point in the PIKE game i’m thoroughly tired of stagnation. If you get off on recycled ideas for the 100th time then by all means get this. If you are expecting the silly expectation of something unique, interesting and worthy of the near 30 minutes of your life, then look elsewhere. This is NOT the PIKE for you. Boo hoo