Well, I probably haven't listened to this album in a couple of months by now. It didn't catch on as much as the others, at first at least. It's grown on me since. It's always good to do new things, and while people may complain and criticize, in most cases, they just didnt, or won't, give the album enough time. Bands evolve, and good bands do so without comprimising any of their qualitiy and value. This isn't even that drastic of a change, compared to some changes other bands have made.
Anyways...I like it. The two long tracks are great, and I agree, it's relaxing at the beginning. "A Vampire's View" is weird, and sometimes doesn't click with me. "Stralight Man" is a great, simple track too. I would still take Space Revolver and Unfold the Future over this any day, but it's still a worthy album in my collection.