I suppose it just comes down to people's definition of 'Dad rock'. I always considered it a derogatory description but I know you don't mean it like that, having read your thoughts. 
Well, all forms of music are equally valid, aren't they? I just found that to my ears the last couple of albums were painted on a rather more familiar canvas than those which came before. They sounded comfortable, like U2 or Manics albums from 2000 onwards, relative to their prior work. The whole being equal to, not greater than the sum of the parts.
Like I said at the time though, if you like everything a band does over a long and busy enough time-frame, either they aren't trying or they're sticking to a formula or you are in the grip of cognitive dissonance.
I'm not arsed whether 'Dog' is evolution or revolution, so long as there's lution. And no cheesy vocal samples.
Right, gotcha... I did assume Dad rock was a derogatory description in your eyes! Never assume anything...
Interesting analysis there. It'll be good to hear the album.
