I have two polarizing thoughts toward this album as time goes on and I listen to it more.
The more I listen, the more I am really enjoying the music. Just because a band includes seasoned members with exceptional chops doesn't necessarily mean that they will write and execute good music together. For a debut from guys who haven't written and played together before, this is really a superb effort. Just a really well done effort. It has all the quirkiness, complexity, and epicness that a prog fan could want. It has the hooks that a rock fan would want that is sometimes lacking in prog-related projects. Really nice blend of the two elements. And I feel like all five members really bring solid performances to this album. Just well done.
The fact that the music is so good makes it all the more frustrating that Mike and Derek have conducted themselves so poorly toward the fans and others during this. They really have a good, solid product. But it is tainted by all the negativity and unprofessionalism that those two have pushed to the forefront in their public dealings, and that casts a shadow over the whole thing that is hard to shake off. Really, really stupid move on their part.