Pretty surreal for someone to not believe in dinosaurs. Sitting in on another group's bible study to (presumably?) laugh at them is pretty cringe, however, ngl.
Ah I think you're right, that sounds familiar. I'm suddenly remembering a quote akin to "I wasn't sure how to feel about the new direction but I've then come around to it". Maybe it was from Grant?
If I remember correctly the 4 of them recorded Erase Me without James and Grant cause those 2 couldn't take time off of work or something to be in the studio
Idk, I don't really think he was disrespectful. He's just challenging them on their beliefs. Alot of the people involved in this Christian sect of the scene proved to be pretty insufferable people. Perhaps Arron and Spencer have moved on from it but clearly some of the ego remains.
This to some degree. More so, when all 6 were in the studio everyone had "Veto Rights" on any idea they didn't like. This slowed the process and creative flow ultimately causing stress and strain. As I understand it, leaving the two of them out sped the process up and took away some tension. Now, it sounds like a like of demons came out during Voyeurist even w/o Grant and James, so clearly that wasn't 100% fool proof. Also, the four who are currently handling the writing (Tim, Chris, Spee, and Aaron) have been for a long time. Tim has spoken previously about writing guitar parts and having to teach them to James. I personally like Erase Me and Voyeurist, but more so as standalone records. For me, it was always the "tension" in their old records I most liked. The left and right guitar tracks had so much character and stood apart from one another, as one example. It's clear, though, that the old writing process was part and parcel to their demise and if this new order is what it takes for UO to exist, I'll take it.