David Gilmour – Rattle That Lock (2015): Freedom, Reflection, and the Sound of Closure
Released in 2015, Rattle That Lock is David Gilmour’s fourth solo studio album and, in many ways, a final artistic statement. Reflective, politically aware, and emotionally restrained, the album balances personal introspection with broader themes of freedom, mortality, and human connection—closing Gilmour’s solo discography with quiet confidence.
History and Background
Rattle That Lock was released in September 2015, nearly a decade after On an Island. By this time, Pink Floyd had officially come to an end following The Endless River (2014), allowing Gilmour to create without the weight of legacy expectations.
The album was recorded primarily at Astoria Studios and produced by David Gilmour alongside Phil Manzanera. Once again, Polly Samson played a crucial role as lyricist, bringing literary and philosophical depth inspired by themes of liberty, aging, and loss.
Commercially, the album debuted at #1 in the UK, confirming Gilmour’s enduring relevance.
Credits & Lineup
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David Gilmour – vocals, guitars, keyboards, production
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Polly Samson – lyrics
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Phil Manzanera – guitars, production
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Guy Pratt – bass
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Steve DiStanislao – drums
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Jon Carin – keyboards
The lineup is lean and familiar, focusing on chemistry rather than spectacle.
Musical Style and Themes
Musically, Rattle That Lock blends progressive rock, ambient textures, and melodic blues guitar. The album avoids bombast, favoring emotional clarity and restraint.
Lyrically, it is Gilmour’s most overtly philosophical solo work. Songs address freedom of expression, authoritarianism, remembrance, and personal reckoning. Despite the weight of its themes, the album maintains warmth and accessibility.
Track Highlights
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“5 A.M.” – Instrumental opener setting a cinematic tone.
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“Rattle That Lock” – Title track inspired by the French railway station chime, transformed into a call for freedom.
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“Faces of Stone” – Meditative and textural, with layered guitars.
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“In Any Tongue” – A powerful anti-war statement featuring one of Gilmour’s most emotional solos.
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“Today” – Gentle and optimistic, emphasizing human connection.
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“And Then…” – Short instrumental epilogue, closing the album quietly.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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The melody of Rattle That Lock was inspired by a four-note chime heard at French train stations.
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In Any Tongue includes lyrics based on first-hand war accounts collected by Polly Samson.
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The album’s artwork was created by Aubrey “Po” Powell of Hipgnosis, continuing Gilmour’s visual legacy.
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Many guitar parts were recorded using vintage Fender and Gibson instruments.
Did You Know?
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The album was supported by a major world tour documented on Live at Pompeii (2017).
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Several tracks evolved from instrumental sketches dating back years.
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Despite its political themes, Gilmour avoided direct references, opting for universal messages.
Goofs, Myths, and Misconceptions
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Some fans expected a return to classic Pink Floyd epics; the album was intentionally more concise.
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The political elements led some to label it as a response to Roger Waters—Gilmour denied this.
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The album is sometimes criticized for its subtle pacing, overlooking its emotional depth.
Cultural Legacy
Rattle That Lock is widely regarded as a graceful closing chapter in David Gilmour’s recording career. It reflects an artist comfortable with his place in history, uninterested in reinvention but deeply committed to expression.
Its themes of freedom and reflection resonate strongly in a modern context, giving the album lasting relevance.
Conclusion
Rattle That Lock (2015) is thoughtful, measured, and quietly powerful. It doesn’t seek to redefine David Gilmour—it affirms him. As a final solo statement, it stands as a dignified farewell, rich in tone, meaning, and emotional honesty.
