Arguably one of the greatest bands from the 1960-70’s time period was Pink Floyd. Their instrumental style and break through concept albums paved the way for a more intimate and raw musical experience. They are known by most for their chart-topping album Dark Side of the Moon. In fact this album stayed on the Billboard 500 for over 14 years.

After 20 years Pink Floyd has finally come out with a new album: The Endless River. This album contains a collection of new and old songs that have never been released.  The great thing about it is that it contains some of Roger Water’s last recordings with the band before he left. Keep in mind that today’s Pink Floyd still does not include Roger Waters.

This album features the flowing and classic style of Floyd as well as some new sounds. The music is mainly instrumental however you can get lost in the calming waves of sound that wash over you as you listen.  There are hardly any breaks in between each track. This makes you lose all sense of time as you listen.

Their sound utilizes the synthesizer heavily in ways that it hasn’t been used since the 70’s. They use this to create their unique and heady sound. Another signature that they use is the solo saxophone. This was one of the most notable instruments used in Dark Side of the Moon so this can bring the listener back to their roots.

The album does end with one vocal track. The track is titled “Louder than words”.  This track says what the entire album has been saying all along. It says that everything and anything is louder than words. It is what we do, who we are and how events around us unravel that truly say the most. Since this album truly has no words this is the culmination of the album’s meaning.

The best way to listen to this album, as with any Pink Floyd album, is to fully immerse yourself in the music. Even if it is listening to it while doing homework, put on your best pair of headphones and let the music dance around in your head. Their heavy use of the surround sound effect makes this listening method the most effective.

I have listened to almost all of Pink Floyd’s albums. This new album reminds me of all of the best instrumental elements from all of their albums and reminds me of a time where they didn’t worry as much about their commercial value. This music is for the contemplative mind and the searching soul.