A few more spins in and it's growing even more for me, definitely enjoying this one about as much as Grand Tour, but it has a different feel to it. The writing feels a bit less mystical and mythological, a bit more straight-forward in parts, but still positive and uplifting, and a bit adventurous in feeling to match some of the lyrical content. While not a narrative concept album, I am definitely beginning to piece together and understand the thematic concept throughout the songs, about shared connections and what brings people together, as well as what separates them.
I've noticed that the term "common ground" pops up in other songs outside of the title track. It first appears at the end of "Black With Ink", then in the title track, and finally at the end of "Atlantic Cable". I wonder if the lyrics informed the album title or if it was purely coincidence that three of the songs featured the album title within the lyrics?
Either way, I am greatly enjoying this one, and it'll probably remain in my listening rotation for the next month or so, at least until the new NMB album drops at the end of August!
-Marc.