Pros:

Production is incredibly detailed and forward-thinking, achieving unique effects via panning and deliberate layering and adapting well to a variety of sounds and timbres

Atmospheres are a consistent treat throughout, transitioning between wistful melancholy, cautious hopefulness and bleak despair seamlessly

Standout moments contain a variety of excellent grooves and elements of musicianship, including some tasteful guitar solos and funkier sections

Cons:

Unbelievably bloated and meandering, wasting the majority of its runtime with pointlessly overextended ambient synth sections and never-ending guitar wankery with little intent or direction

Feels particularly uninspired and unessential, being far less daring than other releases from the group and failing to live up to subsequent records

Best: Wish You Were Here

Worst: Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Pts. 6-9

6/10 Ah, sweet controversy