David Gilmour Announces “Luck and Strange,” His First New Album in Nine Years
After much anticipation and speculation, David Gilmour, the legendary guitarist and songwriter, has announced the release of his new studio album, “Luck and Strange,” set to launch on September 6, 2024. This marks his first new material in nearly a decade, recorded over five months in Brighton and London. The album is produced alongside ALT-J’s Charlie Andrew and Marika Hackman, with most lyrics penned by Gilmour’s longtime collaborator, Polly Samson.
“Luck and Strange” signifies a fresh musical direction for Gilmour, with innovative production that challenges traditional rock norms. Charlie Andrew’s influence is notably significant, questioning conventional structures such as the necessity of guitar solos and the typical fade-out endings of songs. This approach reflects a deliberate departure from Gilmour’s past, inviting a raw and authentic sound into the mix.
The album looks into themes of mortality and introspection, as described by Polly Samson. These reflections are shaped by the recent global context, including the personal and collective experiences during lockdown. Such profound themes resonate through the album’s lyrics, influencing the emotional depth of the music.
Contributions from a diverse group of musicians enrich the album’s sound. Notable collaborators include bassists Guy Pratt and Tom Herbert, drummers Adam Betts, Steve Gadd, and Steve DiStanislao, and keyboardists Rob Gentry and Roger Eno. String and choral arrangements by Will Gardner add a layered richness to the album’s texture.
Special Features and Releases
The album includes a beautiful reworking of The Montgolfier Brothers’ “Between Two Points,” highlighting vocal and harp performances by Romany Gilmour. Furthermore, the title track “Luck and Strange” includes a special appearance by the late Pink Floyd keyboardist Richard Wright, recorded during a barn jam in 2007.
Fans can look forward to the first single from the album, “The Piper’s Call,” set to debut on the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show. Following the premiere, a music video will be released, adding a visual dimension to the new sound.
The album’s visual aesthetic is captured by renowned photographer and designer Anton Corbijn. The cover image, inspired by a lyric from the album’s final song “Scattered,” written by Charlie Gilmour, mirrors the album’s introspective and raw themes.
“Luck and Strange” will be available in multiple formats, including vinyl, CD, Blu-ray, and digital downloads. The Blu-ray edition features a Dolby Atmos Mix, hi-res 96/24 stereo, and four bonus tracks, providing an immersive listening experience. Additionally, deluxe box sets of LPs and CDs will soon be announced, promising even more exclusive content for fans and collectors.
As David Gilmour steps back into the spotlight with “Luck and Strange,” he brings with him a renewed creative energy and a willingness to explore and redefine the boundaries of his musical legacy. This album promises to be a significant addition to the discography of one of rock’s most enduring artists.
VINYL – gatefold sleeve and booklet with photography and design by Anton Corbijn
SIDE ONE:
Black Cat*
Luck and Strange
The Piper’s Call
A Single Spark
Vita Brevis*
Between Two Points** – with Romany Gilmour
SIDE TWO:
Dark and Velvet Nights
Sings
Scattered***
CD – album plus two bonus tracks; digipak and booklet with photography and design by Anton Corbijn
Black Cat*
Luck and Strange
The Piper’s 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)*
Blu-ray – AUDIO ONLY – album in Dolby Atmos and high-resolution stereo mixes plus four bonus tracks; digipak and booklet with photography and design by Anton Corbijn
Black Cat*
Luck and Strange
The Piper’s Call
A Single Spark
Vita Brevis*
Between Two Points** – with Romany Gilmour
Dark and Velvet Nights
Sings
Scattered***
BONUS TRACKS in Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res stereo:
Yes, I Have Ghosts
Luck and Strange (original Barn Jam)*
A Single Spark (Orchestral)*
Scattered (Orchestral)*
All songs Music: David Gilmour. Lyrics: Polly Samson.
Except:
*Music: David Gilmour.
**Music: Mark Tranmer. Lyrics by Roger Quigley.
***Music: David Gilmour. Lyrics: David Gilmour, Charlie Gilmour and Polly Samson.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
