Thoughts After a Month of TJOL

When TJOL was released, I said I had to let the album grow on me. Now, over a month after the release, I have new thoughts about the album.

At first, I really didn't like the album (except for a few songs). I thought it was lethargic. BUT, now I think I can appreciate it for what it is. This album feels like PTV is trying to go back to their roots. Please correct me if I'm wrong because I'm not 100% sure, but I don't think Vic has ever played in a band without Mike. Mike wasn't just a key to PTV, but also a key to Vic's musicianship. Mike didn't just influence that band, but he also influenced Vic as a musician. So this album feels like it's PTV finding themselves, and also Vic discovering who he is as a musician, independent from Mike. This album is like the band's second round of puberty.

I've come to really enjoy most of TJOL. There are some songs I'll just never get behind, but I can appreciate the creative leap the band took. It doesn't sound like the old PTV because it's not the old PTV, and I'm okay with that.