I have really been enjoying it. I think I have most likely listened to it front to back about 10 times now. Stand out tracks for me are Decks Dark, Ful Stop, & The Numbers. It might not be their best release, but I think it's comparable to HTTT or Amnesiac quality wise, which I think are both great albums w/ a few flaws. It is definitely a bit slower and somber (if that's possible) than previous albums. I guess it's a bit of a breakup album for Thom. The orchestral work is great. There are moments where I feel the sound gets muddled, or the tempo changes are a bit off putting, but in the end it works. It most certainly has its moments of beauty, but maybe lacks a big punch. It might not be a huge leap in sound progression, but it manages to feel fresh while also hitting on what made some of their other albums so great. If you are looking for them to return to the sound of the Bends you will be disappointed, but I am not sure why anyone would expect that. I think its safe to say they have not become tired of making music together, which is amazing for a band that has been together for over 30 years now. I'm just hoping this isn't their swan song. "Don't Leave".
I have been thinking with True Love Waits - Did Thom write this for his partner 23 years ago? That's how long they were together until they finally broke up this past year, and that's essentially when the song originally surfaced. Crazy to think he may have wrote it at the beginning of their relationship and couldn't quite complete the song until the relationship ended.