THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DARK

Turn off the lights!

Another BUCKETHEAD''s 2015 release, yet a bit less inspired, than my other favorite ones.

The main riff of "The Other Side of the Dark", the first composition of this two track project named the same way, is evocative, dream like, quiet hypnotic, nevertheless its own beauty is undermined here and there by not that creative bridges and running a bit too long, but then again the melody line pulls through. 3.5 stars.

"Three Wheeler" the second track, is closer to the bomb exploding BUCKETHEAD. A rocker by all means, its heavy stacatto riff, complies to perfection to this well known 60's-70's musical language. From early Sabbath to Deep Purple to Thin Lizzy or Taste. However its impact as been that original in its songwriting is not that great. Let's say it is a super emotional "tribute" to other times personal heroes. 3 stars

So,...adding up the numbers ***3.5 "sharp" PA stars.

PIKE 122 - THE OTHER SIDE OF DARK is the 21st album released by BUCKETHEAD in 2015. Keeping in PIKE form, this one clocks in near the half hour mark at 28:49. The trend reverses back to two long tracks taking up the album's running time. It is also an all instrumental album with all instruments performed by BUCKETHEAD.

The title track runs first and is a lengthy track at 16:50. It is mid-tempo and for the most part comprises an echo guitar riff with accompanying bass and drums. The melodic development is similar to the "Colma" days almost being in that category but just a little more rockin' with a nice bassy riff. This track goes on and on and on and really nothing interesting happens. Ho hum.

The second track is "Three Wheeler" which clocks in at 11:59. This one starts out much more interestingly. It has a kinda power ballad metal sorta staccato riff thing going on with a nice bass line and guitar supplemental affect. It's actually kinda poppy. What does this remind me of? Can't put my finger on it. It's kinda funky with a guitar that slides around and does some serious sheet. I'm actually liking this one. There are some electronic breakdowns here and there but the main melody remains steadfast. This actually reminds me of a ZZ Top type of bluesy rocker from the 70s. This is very pleasant and i give a thumbs up^^^^

Hate first song. Love second, well at least like it a lot. 3 stars