David Gilmour wasn’t the sole figure responsible for Pink Floyd‘s rise to fame, but he was certainly a crucial part of the band’s identity, especially in their later years. My old man used to listen to Pink Floyd when I was a kid, and I vividly remember the “Animals” album, with that iconic cover of Battersea Power Station. I loved it so much that when I moved to London for work, I made a point of finding the real Battersea and snapping a photo. As a fan of Pink Floyd’s early albums, I’ve always been captivated by the experimental sounds and groundbreaking compositions from that era. Gilmour’s unmistakable guitar work and musical direction were no small part of what made Pink Floyd so legendary.
And he has now returned with “Luck and Strange“, his first album of new material in nine years. Having already listened to the album online, I can’t wait to buy the LP and experience its full analog warmth and subtle imperfections.
Gilmour’s distinctive style and voice, which have always moved me, are unmistakably present on this album, blending familiar sounds with refreshing new elements.
Musically, “Luck and Strange” is a rich blend of new material with a few surprises for longtime fans. The album features eight new tracks, along with a beautifully reworked version of The Montgolfier Brothers’ “Between Two Points“, which includes Gilmour’s daughter, Romany, on vocals and harp. In a particularly touching addition, the late Pink Floyd keyboardist Richard Wright is featured on the title track, recorded during a 2007 jam session at Gilmour’s home.
The album’s familial spirit is further emphasized by contributions from Gilmour’s children. Romany and Gabriel Gilmour lend their voices to various tracks, giving the record an intimate, personal touch. These contributions – some of which stem from live streams Gilmour and his family performed during the 2020-2021 lockdowns – help to build the album’s overall sense of closeness and collaboration.
Visually, “Luck and Strange” is as striking as it is musically. The album’s artwork, designed by one of my favorite photographers, Anton Corbijn, draws inspiration from a lyric written by Gilmour’s son, Charlie, for the final song, “Scattered“. Corbijn’s atmospheric photography perfectly complements the album’s reflective themes.
Reflecting on the experience of working with his family, Gilmour says, “Polly and I have been writing together for over thirty years, and the Von Trapped live streams showed the great blend of Romany’s voice and harp-playing. That led us into a feeling of discarding some of the past that I’d felt bound to. I could throw those rules out and do whatever I felt like doing, and that has been such a joy”.
In “Luck and Strange”, Gilmour explores new creative territory while staying true to the essence that has made him a musical legend. Having already heard the album online, I’m even more eager to get my hands on the LP, drop the needle, and let the music envelop me in its full depth.
Tracklist:
Black Cat
Luck and Strange
The Pipers Call
A Single Spark
Vita Brevis
Between Two Points with Romany Gilmour
Dark and Velvet Nights
Sings
Scattered
Bonus Tracks:
Yes, I Have Ghosts
Luck and Strange (Original Barn Jam)
