David Gilmour Luck and Strange LP

Analog Planet Rated 9/10 Music, 8/10 Sound!

Luck and Strange was recorded over five months in Brighton and London and is David Gilmour's first album of new material in nine years. The record was produced by David and Charlie Andrew, best known for his work with ALT-J and Marika Hackman, with lyrics mostly written by Polly Samson, Gilmour's co-writer for the past 30 years.

The album features eight new tracks along with a beautiful reworking of The Montgolfier Brothers' "Between Two Points," which sees Romany Gilmour, who performs backing vocals across the album, on vocals and harp.

Musicians contributing to the record include Guy Pratt and Tom Herbert on bass, Adam Betts, Steve Gadd and Steve DiStanislao on drums, Rob Gentry and Roger Eno on keyboards and the string and choral arrangements are by Will Gardner. The title track also features the late Pink Floyd keyboard player Richard Wright, recorded in 2007 during a 'Barn Jam' at David's house.

The album's cover image, photographed and designed by renowned artist Anton Corbijn, is inspired by lyrics written by Charlie Gilmour for the album's final song "Scattered."

The overriding tone of Luck and Strange is ruminative, though not overly melancholic, with richly imagined songs that explore uncertain futures ('A Single Spark'), nostalgia ('Sings'), marriage ('Dark and Velvet Nights'), and a generation's halcyon days.... The arrangements...feel fresher and nimbler than on his previous set, balancing out some of the album's introspection. And the youthful presence of Romany's (as well as his son Gabriel's) vocals is a boon, lending to the largely collaborative feel. Still, it's undeniably a Gilmour album, woven through with the elegant, lyrical guitar playing and haunted vocals that are his signature.

Luck and Strange is a fine new album proving once again that rock & roll indeed will never die when it's in the hands of gifted composers/musicians like David Gilmour. If you've liked his last several solo releases, don't hesitate on getting this new LP. It's a sweet, sweet spin that continues to reward upon repeat listens.