PIKE 99 - POLAR TRENCH

"The Light In The Fog" (9:56) begins things with clean mellow guitar, sleepy slow bass and cymbal action. It picks up into a slow rocker. The melody is pleasant but it's also one of those been-there-done-that type of tracks that are common the the slower subdued PIKEs. As the track progresses it contains a background rhythmic guitar riff and a bluesy slow treble lick. Although it ratchets up to mid tempo it never presses on further. The lead lick is very pleasant and so are the drum and bass interaction but it's also very cliche and not many new ideas are presented here. For those who really love the slow and melodically mellow, there is plenty to like here. It's actually decently done but "Passageways" spoiled me for the slow PIKEs. It was done quite well while this feels more by-the-numbers

"Polar Trench" (8:59) turns things around with a heavy funk guitar driven riff before it drops out and a funky bass with wah-wah jumps in and does a little dance before the funk driven heavy guitar riff comes back for a little stroll down the cat walk. Bass stays funky while the lead guitar delivers some bluesy guitar solos on high adrenaline. While variations of the major theme do occur, the track is essentially funk bass driven with the guitar nosediving into hyperdrive on many occasions but never getting to virtuosic and staying in heavy blues rock territory. This one is also okayish but rather outstays its welcome since there is no need for it to be nine minutes long

"Heiro" (2:15) is the short little track here. It is a hyperactive funk guitar driven little monster with the slap bass just as jive turkey punk ass caffeinated. I like this one. Short but sweet and to the point. Excellent heavy funk rock track

"Glyphics" (9:27) is another heavy funk rock track with a slap smackin' bass line and guitar bustin' it out with the drums. When the guitar steps out of funk mode and into lead action, the bass also joins in and becomes more rock oriented. This track essentially alternates between straight up hard rock and funk rock. The bluesy melody pretty much stays the same with some minor variations and soloing here and there. This one is intense in its deliver but is fairly predictable and not the best slice of funk rock the chicken lover has dished out. Hendrix inspired solos are aplenty but another that doesn't need to churn on for over nine minutes. Okay but not outstanding

2.5 rounded down