siLLy puPPy BUCKETHEAD - PIKE 58 - OUTPOST 17th album out of 60 in 2014 and 88th overall All sounds brought to you by Buckethead and all instrumental This one has 5 tracks that clock in at 29:00

“Outpost” (7:40) starts mellow but freaky. The timing is weird as is the synchronization of the instruments. Very surreal but then as the drums break in it all snaps into place creating a mid-tempo more familiar BUCKETHEAD track with clean guitar, bass and drums and a somewhat familiar melody. It becomes a more familiar funk rock track as it progresses. This one is OK but nothing OMG exciting either

“Minor Domo” (11:09) is another funky rock track that has a mid-tempo funky beat and a rather canned drum machine sound. The bass is funky and the guitar delivers a quick lick before turning into funky chords. This one has an instantly addictive melody but isn’t anything overly original either. The guitar solos are quite spectacular though. They don’t delve into virtuosic shredding but instead deliver a well played speedy yet not hyperly so performance. So solo becomes the best part of the track as it really creates some interesting moments as it does slowly build into shredding territory with electronic “firework” displays going off around it. When it drops out the funky bass picks up steam and becomes the focus. This one wears out its welcome and continues far too long to my chagrin

“Electric Umbrella” (2:48) is a much more energetic track with a killer bass line that is more funky than funk on speed. As the bass attacks, the guitar adds some tasty chops to the mix at certain times. The track suddenly slows down and becomes subdued. As the bass continues, the guitar adds slow and spacey licks around it and then jumps into a funky phase. It then starts to “talk” in a strange new way. The bass line changes the riff up every so often. The drums are pretty much slave to the bass as is everything and then it’s all over. I want an “Electric Umbrella.” So tired of my petrol fueled one

“Pressed Pennies” (3:03), no not “Pressed Penises” OUCH! Starts out mid-temp with a heavily distorted bass and a counterpoint of a keyboard run. The guitar only sporadically injects its sound effect into the mix. Nice melody and mix of things. It’s actually quite pleasant. One of those sorta familiar sounds but slightly off in the mixing as to make it a tad surreal

“Look Through” (4:20) is another mid-temp track but with a grungy bass sound, electronically altered guitar and steady drumbeat. The melody is ok but nothing special. Tones are quite pleasant however. Pretty much doesn’t deviate from the formula. Meh

PIKE 58 is full of interesting moments but in the end doesn’t have quite enough to make it a top pick in my book. If you REALLY love the funky side of BH then this is not to be missed. There are unique combinations of tones, timbres and effects but what is lacking for me here is either a keen sense of melodic development and / or a reckless sense of experimentation. This one seems to be playing it too safe in both regards but on the other hand nothing is bad on here. I enjoy every track to some degree, it’s just that nothing blows me away either