THE DIVISION BELL

That's more like it! A huge improvement from 'Momentary Lapse...'. 'The Division Bell' sees the post-Waters line-up of Pink Floyd working together, putting in the time and effort, and creating a worthwhile album as a result.

There are more elements of classic ('Dark Side' to 'Wall') Floyd here, with psychedelic soundscapes and some cosmic soloing. There remains as well, unfortunately, some elements of 80's/90's power rock; the band trying to "fit in" with the music scene of the time. But these can be largely ignored and one can receive a great deal of enjoyment from this album, especially if you look at it as a whole. 'The Division Bell' is a concept album (take THAT Waters!) with a main theme of communication [or lack of]. The artwork is once again appropriately "Thorgerson-ised" and further expands on this theme (check out the internal images within the booklet, those are interesting too). And so fans are treated to a full package here, a music-lyric-image bag teaming with goodies. There are some weaker moments obviously, and some songs that don't quite fit, BUT these are outweighed by the substance. I particularly like the way the album flows. Yes, it's a song-cycle! A format the Floyd seem to be good at ('Dark Side of the Moon' anyone?). And there's a better balance of Gilmour to Wright this time, who even gets his own vocal spot. Oh and Mason's playing is no better or worse than usual (I don't think he was replaced by a drum machine this time).

Much anticipated, this album delivered, and continues to deliver, what is essential of Pink Floyd music, complete with it's own set of sound effects. 'The Division Bell' is no 'Wish You Were Here', but it's certainly no 'Ummagumma' either.