Pipe-eye
Pipe-defy
p(doom) Records [2024]
“A bold dive into synth-driven grooves—Pipe-defy is Cook Craig at his most playful and polished.”
Album Overview: Pipe-eye is the solo project of Cook Craig, known for his work with both King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard and The Murlocs. Across four previous albums under this alias, Craig has honed his skills as a multi-instrumentalist and composer, developing a distinct musical voice. Pipe-eye serves as a creative outlet for ideas that don’t fit within the confines of his collaborative bands, offering a personal glimpse into his evolving artistry. His fifth release, Pipe-defy, pushes boundaries with a bold shift toward electronic music, showcasing the lessons learned from years of performing and recording. Departing from the lo-fi sound of his earlier work, this album emphasizes synth-heavy instrumentation over guitars, building on deep basslines and intricate keyboard layers. The result is an upbeat, groove-driven collection of songs that may be his catchiest yet, filled with playful hooks that maintain an energetic, high-spirited mood.
Musical Style: Pipe-defy leans into the sounds of funk and vintage, synth-driven dance music, pulling from 70s and 80s influences. Craig pairs punchy basslines with textured keyboards, creating songs that pulse with infectious energy. Instead of relying on guitar riffs, he incorporates synthesizers, such as the Roland Juno, to generate bright, cutting tones that add depth to the album’s groove-heavy compositions.
Evolution of Sound: Unlike the lo-fi and more experimental tone of previous Pipe-eye albums, Pipe-defy takes a cleaner, high-fidelity approach. Craig deliberately aimed for a polished sound, enlisting fellow Gizzard members: Joe Walker for mixing and production, and Michael Cavanagh contributing drums. These collaborations elevate the album’s clean sound and cohesiveness, giving it a refined edge.
Artists with Similar Fire: Fans of Herbie Hancock’s funk, Zapp’s playful rhythms, and Stevie Wonder’s synth-driven beats will find a lot to enjoy in Pipe-defy. The album also channels the rhythmic sensibilities of Grandmaster Flash, blending vintage inspirations with Craig’s unique style. Contributions from Joe Walker and Michael Cavanagh reflect the collaborative spirit of King Gizzard, adding familiar but fresh touches to the record.
Pivotal Tracks: “Catch Me On A Break,” “Snake On A Sand Dune,” and “The Taste” highlight the album’s danceable core, built on tight basslines and shimmering synths. These tracks pull listeners into their infectious rhythms, showcasing Craig’s ability to layer playful textures with precision timing. Meanwhile, “Lords of Lithium” and “Don’t Fade Away” provide emotional contrast, slowing the pace slightly but retaining the album’s engaging energy.
Lyrical Strength: The lyrics in Pipe-defy explore themes of displacement, capturing the tension Craig feels between life on the road and at home. He expresses the struggle of balancing two worlds—one thrilling, the other isolating. In “I’m Coming Back,” this theme is most clearly articulated, as Craig reflects on the challenge of not feeling fully present in either place.
PIPE-EYE LINKS
Instagram | Bandcamp | p(doom) Records
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