LOOK UP THERE

Wow, Buckethead is finally on ProgArchives! About time! Anyway, I thought I'd review this particular record of his from that everlasting discography (whoever's updating it btw, I am eternally grateful unto you), because it's without a doubt my favourite. It should seriously be heralded amongst "Colma", "Electric Tears", and other exalted albums. It came out soon after I discovered Buckethead, and I've got to say this early pike has something else going for it. Almost, but regrettably not quite "masterpiece"-worthy, I'm giving this an extremely high 4-stars. "Look Up There" consists of two lengthy improvisations...

"Golden Eyes" kicks off the album, with a strangely warming and inticing theme, played on a shrill, slightly wah-wah guitar. He basically retains this tone throughout the song, and the relatively high register he plays on the guitar is consistent, so I'd have to say it's a little restricted in the big picture. However, the remainder of the track displays many great techniques, appreciative for even non-guitarists/musicians. Towards the end, he also employs some of his trademark robotic "killswitch", but in a slightly new light. In addition, he ends on some more variety with an octave pedal (reminiscent of that used on "Soothsayer" years before). These last few minutes definitely portray the potential Buckethead had to include on "Golden Eyes", but they were unfortunately not all carried out. The end result is therefore a little inconsistent, but the dexterity and soulfulness exhibited here make it stronger. He clearly has the ability side nailed, so I wish he focused a little more on composition, or at least organising his improvisations. Nevertheless, you must remember these are the few flaws to an outstanding piece.

The title track undergoes a gradual change throughout, that peaks and dips in a very controlled moderation, with some nice unexpected turns here and there. The entire song (like "Golden Eyes") is guitar-led, with a fitting drumbeat and bassline, plus some occasional synths. You hear many different themes or intricate riffs, almost reeled off in the intro, which culminate when Buckethead commences his improvisation with an excellent, comforting timbre and well-executed rhythm track. As a guitarist, I find it incredibly easy to get lost in the music on "Look Up There", as Buckethead pulls out familiar lines, ear-catching melodies, in addition to hypnotic tone-based parts and his signature shredding, but still keeps it incredibly soulful. The whole time, you're right there in the moment, enjoying the serenade of a guitar god jamming with himself. Technically speaking, there is no change in key or backing throughout the latter 20 minutes, so it's really a freeze-frame that depicts whatever you envision/wherever he takes you when you listen. The subtle but spectacular sonic alterations help you on this "journey", as you stand in a brief absentia, free of time. All too soon, he begins to faintly fade away into oblivion, almost suggesting he's still out there doing his thing.

B+: Without doubt, as good as modern guitar music gets. A unique record, extremely well done given the limited resources he utilises.

Golden Eyes: **** Look Up There: *****

BUCKETHEAD completed the year 2011 with five releases in the PIKE series and PIKE 5 - LOOK UP THERE (the 34th BH album overall) finishes out the year. This one was released simultaneously on August 17 alongside with the repackaged "Pike 3 - 3 Foot Clearance" and "Pike 4 - Underground Chamber." This one contains only two long tracks and the album clocks in at 32:29. In the early PIKE days we also get extra hands on board. While BUCKETHEAD performs guitars and bass, someone named Brewer hands programming and extra bass parts as well.

The shorter of the two tracks "Golden Eyes" (10:51) starts things in the mid-tempo range with an echoey guitar riff and ambient background noises with a steady drum beat. It is all eventually joined in by a bluesy Hendrix inspired guitar style with riffs and licks. This is one of the earlier examples of how BH likes to repeat a two or three chords into infinity and riff and solo around them. While somewhat engaging at first becomes a little too repetitive and well, boring. This are my least favorite kinds of BH tracks. The repetition and recycled styles from past masters that eventually, incrementally lead up to a fully developed BH solo are okay, but i'm more often than not ready to push the fast forward button. This is exactly the case. While some of the guitar antics are interesting, the repetitive melodic flow isn't.

The second longer title track (21:38) takes up 2/3 of the album and starts like the last, with a mellow echoey guitar riff that is slowed down that has some ambient background sounds and is joined in by some percussion although this is light percussion. This is also a slow burner that repeats the same few chords to infinity and layers different guitar antics over them. The guitar starts out with slow bluesy licks and then develops into more aggressive solos. Despite the solos becoming ever more quickened and more notes inserted into every measure, the overall feel is still quite chilled and the guitars remain on blues mode with traces of wah-wah ever so increasing as the track progresses. This one is supposedly built off the last part of Led Zeppelin's "Stairway To Heaven" chord progression with Page's solos as an inspiration, but i'm sorry to say that this isn't anywhere as interesting as the original and goes on waaaaaaaay too long.

For me, BUCKETHEAD is at his best when he's unapologetically experimental letting the creativity burst through with full force. Albums like PIKE 5 - LOOK UP THERE are ultimately too monotonous, too repetitive and too lackluster to grab my attention. Those who love predicative chord changes that more than wear out their welcome with adeptly performed guitar solos over them will surely love this album, but for those who crave the unrestrained BUCKETHEAD such as i will find this a little sleepy for their tastes. One of the greatest things about BH is that he can appeal to many crowds with none of us loving everything. This just happens to be one that i am not enamored by.