I'm not a hardcore PT fan. I discovered them with IA, and really enjoy that record, Deadwing, and Fear of a Blank Planet. Working backwards, I also really enjoy Stupid Dream. I got to see them once on The Incident tour (despite having tickets to two prior gigs I couldn't make) and I'm thankful to my buddy J who is flying in and got us tickets to the upcoming evening with tour. Generally speaking, I love the more metal edge the band had with IA, Deadwing and FoaBP.
So that's my background for context.
I appreciated what SW was trying to do by emphasizing his solo career. It wasn't for me. I liked The Raven Who Refused to Sing a bit, but the rest...pass.
The two new songs are okay. Excited to get the whole new record.
Regarding the tour, I'm not happy about Colin Edwin and John Wesley not being a part of it. I understand John was a touring member, but I felt he really brought a great touch to the band's show and the live recordings I own. And while Colin Edwin may not have been a significant songwriter in PT, his bass playing is on all the records from the band that I love.
Edwin and Wesley may not be "essential" to the PT sound, but as a fan, I'm bummed they aren't going to be a part of this PT record and tour.
It doesn't diminish my anticipation, but it does make me frown. I know it probably won't happen, but it'd be nice if SW and those two guys could just sit down and get it together and have the five of them on the road this fall.