The sense of an event hangs heavy around David Gilmour’s first record in nine years. It features lyrics inspired by Paradise Lost, a supporting cast that includes Graham Nash, Robert Wyatt and Jools Holland, and production that sounds as opulent as the range of deluxe formats on offer. The stately progress of songs such as In Any Tongue and the prominence of Gilmour’s skybound guitar on the instrumentals will divide listeners down predictable lines: succour for those pining for a Floyd reunion, showboating to many others. There are simple and undeniably lovely moments here – the hymn-like opening to Today is especially beautiful – but these are heavily outnumbered by displays of muso virtuosity.
