Gilmour declares his upcoming solo album as his finest work since “The Dark Side of the Moon”, with its latest single showcasing the Pink Floyd icon’s newfound passion for the classic semi-hollow guitar.
David Gilmour, forever linked with his beloved Fender Stratocaster, has found a new muse: the Gibson ES-335. On his latest single, the legendary Pink Floyd guitarist explores a fresh sonic territory, embracing the warm tones of the semi-hollow classic.
Gilmour is set to release “Luck and Strange” on September 6, marking his first solo album in nine years. He boldly claims it to be his best work since “The Dark Side of the Moon”, a monumental album that remains a pinnacle of guitar mastery.
The magic of “Luck and Strange” isn’t just in the music; it’s in the collaboration with a producer who dared to challenge Gilmour’s illustrious history. Together, they’ve crafted an album filled with a rich tapestry of guitars, old and new, including some that Gilmour couldn’t part with at auction.
Among the star-studded lineup of guitars is a Gibson ES-335 that has stolen Gilmour’s heart. “I haven’t had much history with Gibson guitars, but this one brings a new tone, a different vibe,” he shares on his YouTube channel. He’s right—this guitar is worlds apart from the sharp, biting tone of his iconic black Strat, which famously fetched a record-breaking sum at auction in 2019.
“There’s something special about playing a guitar you’re not used to. Sometimes it just gives you a song,” Gilmour muses. And that’s precisely what happened with the ES-335, inspiring the track “Dark and Velvet Nights”—a hauntingly beautiful piece that echoes the shadowy, atmospheric essence of Pink Floyd.
The Gibson’s humbuckers lend a thicker, warmer sound to Gilmour’s signature solo style, a marked departure from his usual single-coil setup. This new approach follows the release of the lead single, “”Piper’s Call”, featuring an epic minute-and-a-half solo, and “Between Two Points”, a touching track that includes a guest appearance by his daughter, Romany Gilmour.
With “Luck and Strange”, David Gilmour proves that even legends can find new loves, and in doing so, create music that captivates and surprises.
