LOUZENGER

PIKE 120 - LOUZENGER is the 18th album by BUCKETHEAD in 2015. Similar to other PIKES this one clocks in around the half hour mark at 31:12, is all instrumental with everything supposedly played by the freaky one himself. For the last few PIKES there seems to be a preference for many shorter tracks instead of a very few long ones. This album has seven. BUCKETHEAD is back in funk mode where i seem to like him best. Does the album hold up under the onslaught of countless PIKES this year? Let me explain you the nitty gritty.

The title track is first and starts off with a nice beefy bass that alternates with an electronic scratchy sound effect with other noises in the background. The rhythm is choppy and the time sigs are off and then starts a really funky guitar riff. All is mid-tempo and there is lots of staccato between measures. There are many things that make this track interesting. First of all, it sounds totally new and well, interesting! Even at a time of 7:06

The second track "Backwords Circle" has a hip hop kinda beat to it with some electronically manipulated melody before the furious metal guitar riffing kicks in. Another interesting track where the riff is very good playing with the drumming. The metal guitar then joins the hip hop kinda beat section that repeats. This track is 3:42 and keeps me interested throughout. Yay!

Track three "Standing On A Sidewalk" is a metallic rocker mixed with electronic freaky effects but mostly emphasizes a hard rock / metal riffing frenzy that incorporates a healthy dose of psytrance towards the end with the percussion and electronica. Another cool track.

Track four "Shade" is another heavy metal rocker. It is nothing special but does rock pretty hard and is quite pleasant. It's only 1:56 so doesn't wear out its welcome.

Track five "Vehicleof" is basically the same kind of instrumental rocker as "Shade" but doesn't seem as well constructed and too samey right after. At 4:34 timing, it does wear out its welcome fast. Rather boring in fact.

Track six "Hall Mark" is another boring heavy instrumental rocker. Yawn. Starting with "Shade" this album is getting BOOORING!

Track seven "Airship" is yet ANOTHER boring instrumental rocker that continues the filler parade. No further comments required.

This album started off promising but fell into the abyss at the end. 3 stars