Thanks for the links. Listened to them with James and Blaine on Friday night. I can't seem to find the link to "Washington is Next" now but I gave "Gears of War" a few more listens today.
I was not really digging "Washington is Next" mainly because of the vocals. At first the cheesy repeated whispering on "Gears of War" bothered me but now that song is growing on me, and sounds more like something from the Countdown era. It's nice to hear the guitar tones are still raw and dry sounding as they should be. I admit I went into these clips with a negative attitude, but there may be some potential for this album yet. I will probably at least be paying attention when the new album is released but I'll have to hear more before I decide to get it. Crossing my fingers, but not holding my breath.