siLLy puPPy BUCKETHEAD’s third release of 2022 is PIKE 305- TWO STORY HOURGLASS and features only two tracks that barely race past the 29-minute mark. The opening title track swallows most of the playing time with over 21 minutes leaving the second “Growing Gills” at just shy of 8 minutes.

The sprawling title track is a one of those common alt metal tracks with all instrumental guitar riffing sessions accompanied by thumping bass and drums. As with many of the more recent PIKEs of the same ilk, this one has an atmospheric backdrop that sort of steers the chord progressions as it drops in and out of the soundscape. While competent and not offensive to the ears, unfortunately this is like the gazillionth rendition of the same basic formula that takes a recurring theme and spirals out to an unnecessary playing time. Background music only. It goes on and on and on :/

“Growing Gills” is a bit feistier with heftier guitar distortion and a faster tempo. This one sustains pretty much the same chord progressions but changes the riffs up with alternating softer passages and the grungy faster ones. This one is a lot more interesting than the opener as it has different ways of mixing up the riffing sessions up with varying intensity. Also some cool slide action. Probably one of the heaviest tracks from BH in a while.

Overall not an outstanding PIKE but decent enough to call good. Above average but not excellent either. I’m sure another one is about to hatch so see ya next time!