OKAY so I finished the entire album.
This was definitely made to fuel the tour, and I don't think it's a bad thing. If anything it's pushed them to upgrade their sound and God knows how much we wanted that to happen. I love the folk influence throughout the album, not enough to really alienate but it's a nice touch. I am very pleased.
The highlight at the end of the album for me is "Better Than Words". The little electronic influences remind me of Owl City's "Fireflies" and the guitar is the cherry on top.