I have listened about 4-5 times since tha day was launched. Like most of recent David CDs, i have mixed feelings (but good overall). There are several strong songs, but the whole body of work is a bit lame, and as hunter said, the arrangements are too obvious. But same can be said on John Illsley albums and even for Mark: hundrum chord progressions, predictable drum patterns and very little imagination. Pure comfort zone. Sometimes i would like to put just a little more "spice" on it.
I really miss the input David put in the late 90s and 00s albums. For instance, the songs on Ship of Dreams or Wishbones (specially on this one) have yet simple, but clever arrangements. You also have brass, organ, electric guitars, pedal steel, some nice touches here and there, some little nice details all over the album.
Nowadays, i feel that David had found his confort zone: Piano, acoustic guitars, some harp, simple arrangements and thats all. Just David, his partner Harry for the solo guitar parts, Ditchmann on drums (love is style) and a bassist. Simple, but too simple. Minimalistic, but too minimalistic. Zero surprises. Sadly, i feel that that is a pity because Heartlands and Grace had several good songs that could have become much better with a proper effort (and a bigger budget). I can not handle this minimalistic lame way, where all songs sounds like a demo. Some songs really deserve better treatment.
Don´t get me wrong. I liked Heartlands and i love David´s music, but like everyone, i would prefer other directions. Washington Decides, Easter Rising, Siren Sunsets, Midnight Shaker, etc. The boy got it. Seems like a good record. Also, it´s always good news to have another album on the table. Over the years, i realized that DK music is not too different from MK music, despite of the huge difference of talent (and budget again).
