Band:	Buckethead
Album:	Colma
Style:	Experimental rock, Avantgarde metal, Hard rock, Heavy metal, Electro industrial metal
Release date:	March 24, 1998
Guest review by:	Mattybu

01. Whitewash
02. For Mom
03. Ghost
04. Hills Of Eternity
05. Big Sur Moon
06. Machete
07. Wishing Well
08. Lone Sal Bug
09. Sanctum
10. Wondering
11. Watching The Boats With My Dad
12. Ghost/Part 2
13. Colma

Buckethead is a very interesting character. He has gone through periods of churning out multiple albums a year, often weird and always unique. No matter which album of his you listen to, you'll find things you don't hear anywhere else. Among this discography is a gem called Colma. This is often recommended as a starting point for his bizarre collection, and it's one of the most excellent albums this reviewer has ever had the pleasure of listening to.


I'll start with the basics. My first observation throughout listening to any of Buckethead's albums is that it's as though he's not aware the media even exists. This is the farthest thing from a cash grab, it's just pure music. Another thing that is obviously apparent: this album is not even close to metal. This is certainly not a bad thing, but if you expect any sort of speed, aggression, or heaviness this is not the right place.

So on to the music itself. The album starts with "Whitewash", a great introduction of what's to come. Smooth, clean melodies and relaxed drumming set up a very ambient and calm atmosphere. One of my favourite aspects of this album is the way the music all flows so nicely and has many different layers to explore. Guitar and drums are not the only instruments used and occasionally instruments such as horns (like on another strong track, "Lone Sal Bug") will add another dimension of emotion and spirit to this music. Alongside these, the basis of the music is formed by very nice melodies, and each song has something to offer. It is an intriguing journey as you explore this creative and imaginative mind from start to finish, and many songs contain their own form of beauty, mystery, and a variety of other feelings. Combined with Buckethead's knack for writing unique music with loads of personality, the album as a whole truly offers something special to the listener.

Another track that is a definite standout is the 5th on the CD, "Big Sur Moon". Here Buckethead shows off some of his virtuosic guitar talent, and this a track you need to listen to with headphones; the melody moves quickly back and forth between your ears and simultaneously being hit with that speed and emotion is quite the experience. Enough of an experience for me to want to listen to almost 500 times. And it hasn't gotten old yet (I doubt it ever will).

All in all, Buckethead released something truly special here. Full of emotion, very unique, and from start to finish extremely well written and engaging. If you want to get into Buckethead's music, start here. If you just want relaxing and calm music, it's also great. I don't think this album is for everyone, but for me, I don't think I could ask for any more from an album. A classic.