This is really cool! So far, it has a really classic vibe to it which is neat. Not sure that's intentional, but that's something that I would embrace if you guys were going to get this going again. There are a lot of sections where the singer reminds me of Rikard from Beardfish which is awesome, and then a couple of parts that even reminded me of Geddy Lee - particularly in Aging Alibi (not his voice, but his delivery and vocal attitude). I get what you mean about the first two songs, though I didn't really notice until I heard beyond that. In comparison they're definitely weaker, but they're certainly not bad songs.
Overall this is cool as shit and you guys should be proud of it.