The ghosts of Pink Floyd are alive and well on Rattle That Lock, the fourth solo record from guitarist David Gilmour. At age 69, Gilmour shows no sign of slowing down. In fact, just the opposite is happening. Less than a year after releasing the stunningly brilliant fifteenth and final Pink Floyd album, The Endless River, David is already at it again. His first solo album since On an Island in 2006, Rattle That Lock offers a generously varied selection of beautiful new music and indicates an exciting and innovative new direction for the guitar legend.
From funky to serene, from jazzy to psychedelic, and brimming with his classic mournful bluesy guitar work, this new solo effort offers something new to love with each passing song. While the record comes across as more of an assorted selection of new material rather than the usual unified concept album approach, the songs blend seamlessly and create a wide-ranging listening experience from start to finish.
The album begins with the instrumental, “5 A.M”, which features a beautifully bluesy and bending guitar solo wrapped around a gorgeous acoustic rhythm track. Gilmour’s classic style is comforting and instantly recognizable; like an old friend who has come home to visit. The sound is heart-warming and one-of-a-kind.
The rousing “Today”, along with the album’s title track, most definitely stand out on the record with their unexpectedly funky musical approach. The title track, which is also the album’s lead single, sounds closer to the vibe of Blondie’s “Rapture” than to the dreamlike trademark styles that you’d normally expect from the guitarist of Pink Floyd. Nevertheless, it is indeed a refreshing change and only further brightens the diverse and ever-changing scope of the record.
One of the most impressive songs on Rattle That Lock is the third track, “Faces of Stone”. Slowly and softly trickling in, like a cold steady rain, this hauntingly romantic ballad blends Dylan-esque folk guitar with a brooding psychedelic waltz. It’s a strikingly twisted yet thoughtful love affair that is indeed a personal favorite from this record. While “Faces of Stone” covers the darker side of the album, songs such as, “Dancing Right in Front of Me” and “The Girl in the Yellow Dress” spice things up a bit. The latter tune is a definite album highlight with its loungy and jazzy vibe. Gilmour’s style hasn’t sounded so smooth since 1971’s “Biding My Time” from Relics.
At the end of the day, the album concludes as it began; with a beauteous blues guitar instrumental. Gilmour’s weeping guitar wails and cries passionately as ever, as this latest stirring solo effort comes to a close. Rattle This Lock proves that the well has certainly not run dry for the former Pink Floyd guitarist. While the magic of Floyd is long gone, the elements that created the band’s irreplaceable sound are present as ever. These familiar sounds stir in the winds of Gilmour’s compositions, and this album is no exception. Between the genius of The Endless River and the remarkable new songs on Rattle That Lock, David Gilmour is on a roll! And did we tell you the name of the game, boy? They call it riding the gravy train!
By Joseph Conlon