Calling it now: In all irony, this will be the "single" that gets Dream Theater their first Grammy win.
Good song that will probably sound better within the overall context of the album. The call and response solos at the end are daring and unexpected, and I'm on board with it.
I'm really digging James' performance - Explorers Club, Mullmuzzler (1:53) (and maybe even a lil Maiden). Maybe the best he's done in years.
Jordan's orchestration at 2:53 is very engaging, and the patches sound like his usual palette with some tweaks. That whole instrumental section is very Pleasant Shade of Grey (with a touch of New Math/OSI)
Production wise, it's "meh, with improvements." The guitar tone has less chocoate frosting, which is good. More breathing room, less brickwall, but the drums may be too present and overwhelming. Gosh, I really miss Andy Wallace.