Now that the dust has settled, even the most ardent Pink Floyd fan would admit that their swansong The Endless River was a ponderous thing. Bereft of thrills and patched together from old The Division Bell out-takes, this Frankenstein’s monster was a very odd way to end their near 50 year career.
It’s not all doom and gloom for the band’s followers however: singer/guitarist David Gilmour’s new solo album Rattle That Lock actually sounds more like Pink Floyd than their aforementioned final LP did. Featuring lyrics partly inspired by Paradise Lost and a supporting cast which includes heavy hitters such as Graham Nash, Jools Holland and Robert Wyatt, Gilmour’s fourth solo effort is packed with more than enough spectacular, lyrical guitar-work, to please the faithful.
Gilmour also takes some gambles. While some pay off (‘Faces Of Stone’ is a stirring Argentinian tango) it must be said that others don’t (the Billie Holiday- flavoured ‘The Girl In The Yellow Dress’ shows up his vocal limitations). However, when Rattle That Lock hits its stride – particularly on the epic ‘In Any Tongue’ – it’s a reminder that the ex-Pink Floyd man is virtually peerless when it comes to clean guitar-work and that as a song-writer, he still has plenty to say.