I totally understand and I think sometimes albums require a specific space of mind to really hit. Sometimes I've really wanted to like an album but it wasn't the right time or the right place for it. If Eat the Elephant had been released 10 years ago I'm not sure at all I would've liked it this much. But sometimes some albums just don't hit, and that's unfortunate but it happens.
I agree that the album isn't as raw as the older ones, but that again worked for me personally in this case. I struggle a bit trying to find the right words in English but I think this album doesn't have the despair that was so obvious in their previous work. This album is more about discontent in my opinion, so it makes sense for me that it's less raw and more direct.
I think one of the greatest things about music is that everyone can have their own favourite albums and choose which ones they like and don't, and still be fans of the same band.
