I think that the EP's are definitely a step in another direction for Bishop Allen. The first time I heard January in its entirety, I was a little stunned and confused. Was this my precious Bishop Allen? The ones who wrote "Charm School"?

The EP's are a far cry from Charm School, that much is true. I can understand liking one over the other completely.
Personally, I've been pleasantly surprised by the EP's. It's a new sound, and for a while, I wasn't sure if I liked it. But I've found myself really liking it all. It doesn't fit some of my other musical influences, but there's something in BA's music that I've always liked. It's still there, even though they might lose a few clangy guitars or trade in their interview ties for butterfly nets.

(Either that or I just love Mr. Rice's voice. )