Picked up the latest cd last night, and after one listen, I'm pretty stunned.
Lots of similarities to Sufjan Stevens' Illinoise but not quite on that level, with the entire album flowing together, demanding to be heard and responded to as a whole; the track listing being long, wordy, and more similar to a novel or play, not a rock album... Really, the album feels like it has an accompanying visual aspect. It feels like I only got half the art by hearing it.
Not to elevate it to genius status or imply something "supernatural" going on, but I think the term "visionary" would apply to it. This album has been painstakingly and purposefully assembled as far as themes, direction, etc. That's obvious after just one listen. I'm scared of how much thought probably went into making this record. However, my first impression is that the lyrics may not be as strong as some of his previous work. And while the music is grand, very produced, and ambitious, I fear the novelty of banjos, etc., may wear off after repeated listens. His music really shook me on Can You Hear Us. But David set the bar high, so that's not saying it's bad.
Overall though, I'm impressed and am hungry to listen to it again. Dave is a rare talent and has an artistic mind that is so far out of the CCM norm/box? Thank God for him.