The onstage reunion of the band members of legendary British group Pink Floyd at last years Live 8 concert sparked rumours of the band possibly reforming to record a new album. Sadly that wasnt to be, but guitarist David Gilmour gives those holding out hope a glimpse of what may have been on his new solo album On An Island. It has only been 22 years since his last solo release but like his one time protege Kate Bush, whos own recent new album had loyal fans waiting over 12 years, its been well worth the wait. The album which mixes jazz, folk and Gilmour's soaring rock guitar, has been described as very Pink Floydian. The opening track Castellorizon is reminiscent of Signs of Life from 1987s A Momentary Lapse of Reason while the title track, On An Island, sparks instant comparisons to Shine on You Crazy Diamond from 1975s Wish You Were Here with the atmospheric instrumental building around the haunting lyric. Red Sky At Night, another soaring instrumental could sit comfortably against other Gilmour favorites like The Great Gig In The Sky from the legendary 1973 album Dark Side of the Moon, while Take A Breath evokes memories of Learning to Fly from Momentary Lapse of Reason. Guest appearances include Jools Holland, David Crosby and Graham Nash, ex-Floyd members Richard Wright and Guy Pratt, and Phil Manzanera from Roxy Music co-producing. Much of the album was recorded in Gilmours private studio aboard his houseboat named Astoria and co-written with his wife, Polly Samson. Gilmour mave have mellowed somewhat since his last solo release About Face in 1984 which featured tracks like Murder and All Lovers are Deranged. After all On An Island was released in the U.K. on the same day as his 60th birthday. But his definitive guitar style and soothingly haunting lyrics still recall the classic Pink Floyd elements, making this new release well worth a listen. |
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